Mediterranean Tortellini Salad with Artichokes & Olives – A fresh, cheesy pasta salad recipe you’ll want to make again and again

Mediterranean Tortellini Salad with Artichokes & Olives isn’t just another pasta salad. It’s bright, briny, cheesy, and totally satisfying—the kind of dish you bring to a picnic and suddenly everyone’s asking for the recipe. Think tender cheese-stuffed pasta tossed with tangy artichoke hearts, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and the salty bite of Kalamata olives. Add in a punchy oregano dressing, and you’ve got something that feels both refreshing and hearty at the same time. Honestly, it tastes like sunshine in a bowl.

This is the salad I keep coming back to whenever I want a meal that’s easy but never boring. And I bet it’ll be the one you start craving too. Let’s get into it.

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Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Tortellini Salad with Artichokes & Olives

A pasta salad that’s anything but plain

Regular pasta salads are fine, but they can be bland or heavy. This one? It’s lightened up with crisp vegetables, creamy feta, and a zingy vinaigrette. The tortellini keeps it filling enough for a meal, but the Mediterranean mix-ins make it feel fresh.

The taste: salty, tangy, fresh, and cheesy

Every bite is a mix of textures—chewy pasta, soft feta, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and briny olives. The dressing brings everything together with a bold touch of garlic and oregano.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this vibrant Mediterranean salad.

Salad Base

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Cheese tortellini	1 (20 oz) package	Cooked & cooled
Marinated artichoke hearts	1 cup	Chopped
Cherry tomatoes	1 cup	Halved
Kalamata olives	½ cup	Pitted & halved
Cucumber	½ cup	Diced
Roasted red peppers	½ cup	Sliced
Red onion	½ cup	Thinly sliced
Feta cheese	½ cup	Crumbled
Fresh parsley	3 tbsp	Chopped

Dressing

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Olive oil	¼ cup	Good-quality extra virgin
Red wine vinegar	2 tbsp	Adds tang
Dijon mustard	1 tsp	Helps emulsify dressing
Dried oregano	1 tsp	Mediterranean flavor
Garlic	1 clove	Minced
Salt & pepper	To taste	Balance seasoning

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot (to cook pasta)
• Colander (to drain tortellini)
• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl (for dressing)
• Whisk or fork
• Sharp knife & cutting board

Nothing fancy—just the basics.

Step-by-Step Mediterranean Tortellini Salad with Artichokes and Olives

Step 1: Cook the tortellini

Boil a pot of salted water and cook the cheese tortellini as directed on the package. Here’s the trick: don’t overcook it. Slightly firm pasta works best in cold salads. Rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process.

Step 2: Prep the vegetables

As the pasta cools, prepare the vegetables by chopping the artichokes, slicing the tomatoes, halving the olives, dicing the cucumber, and slicing the onions. A little tip? Keep everything bite-sized so you get a perfect forkful every time.

Step 3: Make the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust. Too sharp? Add more olive oil. Need more punch? A squeeze of lemon works wonders.

Step 4: Toss it all together

Add the cooled tortellini, veggies, feta, and parsley into a large bowl. Pour dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is coated. Chill for at least 30 minutes so flavors meld.

That’s it. Simple, quick, and bursting with flavor.

Flavor Variations & Ingredient Swaps

Mix it up with extras

This salad is endlessly flexible. Add sun-dried tomatoes, chickpeas, or fresh basil if you want more Mediterranean flair. Grilled zucchini or roasted eggplant also works beautifully—if you’re curious, check out this Burrata Roasted Eggplant Stack for inspiration.

Swap the pasta

Gluten-free tortellini? Totally fine. Or try ravioli if you can’t find tortellini. Even regular penne or rotini will work—it just won’t have that cheesy center.

What to Serve With Mediterranean Tortellini Salad with Artichokes & Olives

As a main dish

It’s hearty enough on its own, but you can pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or even shrimp skewers for more protein.

As part of a Mediterranean spread

I love serving it alongside other veggie-forward dishes. Try this Tomato and Artichoke Salad with Capers if you want something bright and tangy on the side. Add some hummus and pita, and you’ve got a full mezze table.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Don’t skip cooling the pasta. Warm pasta will soak up all the dressing and turn mushy.
• Use block feta if possible—it’s creamier and less dry than pre-crumbled.
• Taste the dressing before tossing. Every vinegar has a slightly different bite, so adjust to your liking.
• Chill before serving. This salad gets better as it sits.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Tip for meal prep: Store the dressing separately and mix it with the salad only when ready to eat.
• Not freezer-friendly—the pasta won’t hold up.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, ~6 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	370
Protein	13g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	39g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	4g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, actually, the flavor improves after it has been left to sit for a few hours. Just keep it chilled.

Can I add protein?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas work great.

What if I don’t like olives?
Skip them or swap for capers for a similar briny punch.

Can I serve it warm?
Absolutely—just toss everything together while the pasta is still slightly warm and skip the chilling.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Tortellini Salad with Artichokes & Olives is the definition of a crowd-pleasing recipe. It’s vibrant, filling, and ridiculously easy to throw together. Perfect for summer picnics, weeknight dinners, or anytime you need a dish that feels special without much effort.

If you loved this, you’ll also enjoy other Mediterranean favorites like this Roasted Beetroot Salad with Goat Cheese.

Give this a shot and tell me your thoughts afterward. Share your photos on Pinterest, leave a review, and subscribe to get more Mediterranean-inspired recipes sent straight to your inbox.

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