Chicken Tortellini Pasta Salad is packed with delicious pasta, tender chicken, olives, tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Makes enough for family gatherings and special events. Perfect use for leftover chicken.
The summer is an excellent time for pasta salad. Chicken salad with added tortellini has always been my absolute favorite. It adds even more delicious flavor than plain pasta, although I wouldn’t turn that down either.
I love this pasta salad so much that I used the entire bag of frozen tortellini so that I would have leftovers in the refrigerator. It makes a little over three quarts, making it great for taking to get togethers.
I’m going to be honest with you, though. I love it so much that I ate it for almost every meal until it was gone. I can say that because mom didn’t have any at all since she isn’t eating pasta anymore.
I can’t blame its absence on her at all. It was all me. I ate every bit of it and I wouldn’t mind if there was more. I’ve already checked the freezer to see if we have more tortellini. ha!
Yes, you can take this to family gatherings but it’s great for meal prep too. Lunch, dinner, snacks, it’s all good. It’s so fresh and easy to make that it’s a summer time meal go-to.
Ingredients
It seems like there are a lot of ingredients but don’t let that fool you. There is easy prepping, especially with your chicken already cooked and the pasta only takes a few minutes. Minimal chopping makes meal prep a breeze.
Using Leftover Chicken
I had prepared a bunch of chicken so I could have it on hand. My two cups of chicken ready to go. You can use any chicken you have available. Boiled, marinated, even velveted chicken which is a quick and easy way to tenderize chicken.
Two regular size chicken breasts make about two cups chopped chicken. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken. Chop or shred it for this recipe.
Why Use Olive Oil?
I know that many of my cold pasta salads use mayonnaise, but I really like a no mayonnaise choice. It’s a less creamy option, of course. But, you can’t deny how pretty and colorful the salad becomes when you can see it, without being covered up with mayonnaise.
I’ve recently started using an Avocado Blend from California Olive Ranch. It’s a blend of avocado and olive oils. It tastes lighter and makes it perfect for bright, summer salads.
Why Use Tortellini Pasta?
I make no excuse for my love of tortelini pasta. It’s delicious and can be picked up in different forms. My favorite is frozen tortellini but I’ll definitely take fresh, if I can find it. It’s also available in bags of dried pasta.
No matter how you buy it, preparation is always quick. Only 3 or 4 minutes, compared to double or triple that for regular pasta.
How To Store
You can store in air tight containers in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. It’s best while still fresh, though. It makes three quarts so be prepared for a lot of space.
More Summer Salad Recipes
Although these recipes are great for summer picnics and get togethers, they can certainly be made and enjoyed all year as well.
Recipe
Chicken Tortellini Salad No Mayonnaise
Equipment
- Pasta Pot
- Colander
- Large Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 19 ounces Tortellini frozen, fresh or dried, prepared according to package directions
- 2 cups Chicken Breasts boneless, skinless, chopped, leftover
- 14 ounces Artichoke Hearts canned or jarred, fully cooked, drained and chopped
- ½ pint Grape Tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 6 ounces Black Olives medium or small, whole, drained
- 3 ounces Baby Spinach raw, lightly chopped
- 8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella like BelGioioso Cheese Pearls or chopped into bite size pieces
- ⅓ cup Olive Oil or Avocado Oil Blend
- Sea Salt and Ground Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare tortellini according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cool water so the temperature comes down quicker.
- Chop chicken breasts and artichoke hearts, cut grape tomatoes in half.
- Toss all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Notes
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. All amounts are estimates and 24Bite® takes no responsibility for actual figures since calculations vary by packaging and supplier. Please calculate the amounts yourself based on package labeling if you have specific dietary requirements. 24Bite®, Kim Guzman or Christian Guzman shall not be liable for adverse reactions or any other outcome resulting from the use of recipes or recommendations on this website or actions you take as a result. 2019-2026 Kim Guzman and Christian Guzman. All rights reserved. 24Bite®
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I would bever have thought of adding tortellini to a salad. Great idea and so colourful.
Thanks so much!
This sounds just perfect for summer! A great combination of flavors.
I agree! Such a cool and refreshing meal!
Looks like a terrific version of tortellini salad. I’d eat it all too, but kind of like your Mom, I go easier on the pasta and carbs these days.
It’s all good. I was happy to eat it all. 🙂
I love a cold pasta salad so this was perfect! And the leftovers were just as delicious!
I agree! Sitting for a day for the flavors to meld made it even better. Thank you!
Loved this recipe! It was super easy and so tasty! Will definitely make again!
Thanks so much!
I can’t rate the recipe for I haven’t tried it, sounds delicious. Can I use feta cheese via mozzarella? Thanks
Yes, absolutely! You can use Feta. That would be delicious. You can also use Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack or even Queso Fresco. Use your favorites, even mix them. Thank you for visiting!
You got me with NO MAYO. I cook for my son’s basketball potluck, and this recipe is perfect. I’m sure the guys will love it.
I love that this pasta salad includes chicken, making it a complete meal! Yum!
Such a great-looking salad, everything about this Chicken Tortellini salad is so good and it looks absolutely delicious. The added fresh mozzarella makes this so enticing and tempting! Loved it!
I am obsessed with this! I made this the other night, and my husband has already requested it again tonight. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe 🙂
This salad sounds delicious! I am always looking for new salad recipes to try! Excited for this one! Thanks for the recipe share!
This is so easy and delicious!
I will def make this at home. Thank you!