Mediterranean Tortellini Salad with Artichokes & Olives Recipe

If you love vibrant, fresh, and flavor-packed dishes, you are in for a treat with the Mediterranean Tortellini Salad with Artichokes & Olives. This salad masterfully balances tender cheese tortellini with briny Kalamata olives, tangy marinated artichokes, juicy cherry tomatoes, and that irresistible crumbly feta, all brought together by a zesty, garlicky dressing. It’s a bright, colorful, and effortlessly satisfying salad that’s perfect for warm days, potlucks, or anytime you need a Mediterranean-inspired boost to your meal rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this salad is a simple gem that contributes texture, color, or flavor—without complicating your prep. Fresh vegetables add crunch and juiciness, while the marinated elements bring depth and tang. Together, they create a balanced, irresistible dish.

• 12 oz cheese tortellini: Fresh or frozen works, and it provides the hearty pasta base that makes this salad truly filling.
• 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts: Quartered for perfect bite-sized pieces loaded with Mediterranean tang.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halved to add bright color and juicy sweetness.
• ½ cup Kalamata olives: Pitted and sliced, these bring that salty, briny punch essential to Mediterranean cooking.
• ½ cup cucumber: Diced to offer a refreshing crunch against the richer ingredients.
• ¼ cup red onion: Finely chopped for a subtle sharpness that wakes up the palate.
• ¼ cup feta cheese: Crumbled for creamy saltiness that ties the flavors together beautifully.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley: Chopped to provide a burst of herbal freshness.
• 3 tbsp olive oil: The base of the dressing, bringing fruity richness and smoothness.
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar: Adds acidity that brightens the entire dish.
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard: For a subtle tang and slight kick in the dressing.
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup: Balances the vinegar and mustard with a touch of sweetness.
• 1 garlic clove: Minced for aromatic depth that enhances every bite.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, rounding out the flavor profile perfectly.

How to Make Mediterranean Tortellini Salad with Artichokes & Olives

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by preparing the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, it’s important to drain them well and rinse under cold water. This halts the cooking process and cools the pasta, which is essential for a salad that shines best when served chilled or at room temperature.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisking these ingredients together thoroughly brings a harmonious, tangy dressing that perfectly complements the salad’s fresh Mediterranean flavors.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss together the cooled tortellini, quartered artichoke hearts, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. This colorful medley promises a variety of textures and tastes in every forkful.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together, making sure each ingredient is lightly coated in that vibrant olive oil and garlic mixture. This is the moment when all the flavors start mingling beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish off by sprinkling fresh parsley on top for an extra pop of color and freshness. This Mediterranean Tortellini Salad with Artichokes & Olives is best served chilled or at room temperature, making it incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time or bring to gatherings.

How to Serve Mediterranean Tortellini Salad with Artichokes & Olives

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is classic, but you can also add a few extra crumbles of feta or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for that gourmet touch. Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds offer a delightful crunch that pairs magnificently with the creamy tortellini.

Side Dishes

This salad is wonderfully versatile. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal, or serve alongside warm garlic bread to soak up any leftover dressing. A light, crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon would be a refreshing accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, arrange the salad in a large, shallow bowl and sprinkle herbs and feta on top just before serving. You might also serve it in individual mason jars for portable picnic treats or as an elegant side at your next Mediterranean-themed dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the cheese from soaking up too much dressing. Give it a gentle toss before serving again to redistribute the flavors evenly.

Freezing

Because of the fresh vegetables and marinated ingredients, freezing this salad is not recommended. The texture and flavors could change, especially the artichokes and tomatoes, which are best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If desired, you can let it sit out for 15-20 minutes to take off the chill, but enjoy as is to best appreciate the crisp textures and refreshing flavors.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought tortellini or homemade?

You can absolutely use either fresh store-bought or homemade tortellini. Fresh tortellini tends to have a delicate texture that pairs beautifully with this salad and cooks quickly, but frozen works perfectly fine too once cooked and cooled.

How long can I make this salad ahead of time?

Making this salad a few hours ahead, or even the night before, allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it covered in the fridge and add fresh parsley right before serving to keep it bright and fresh.

Can I add protein to make it a complete meal?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas work wonderfully to boost the protein content, making the Mediterranean Tortellini Salad with Artichokes & Olives a satisfying main dish.

What can I substitute if I’m not a fan of Kalamata olives?

If Kalamata olives aren’t your thing, try green olives or even capers for a slightly different but still briny element. Just be mindful to adjust the overall saltiness to keep the balance right.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Traditional tortellini contains gluten, so this salad is not naturally gluten-free. However, you could use gluten-free tortellini pasta to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Mediterranean Tortellini Salad with Artichokes & Olives enough if you want something fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together with such ease—perfect for busy weeknights and festive occasions alike. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful taste of the Mediterranean in every bite!

Print