The Marry Me Pasta Salad Recipe is an absolute showstopper that brings vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and creamy textures together into one irresistible dish. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing side for your next picnic or a light, satisfying lunch, this salad delivers. Bursting with cheesy tortellini, sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a luscious, herby dressing, it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I promise, once you try this Marry Me Pasta Salad Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for any gathering or quick meal fix.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredients simple yet flavorful is the secret to this dish’s magic. Each one plays a crucial role — from the tender tortellini that offers a satisfying bite to the fresh basil that adds a lively, aromatic kick. These essentials come together beautifully to create a pasta salad that’s fresh, creamy, and bursting with vibrant color.
- 19 ounces cheese tortellini: Boiled, drained, and cooled, this is the hearty base of the salad with a delightful cheesy center.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halved for a juicy burst of sweetness and that perfect pop of color.
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes: Chopped, they add a rich, tangy depth that balances the freshness.
- ¼ cup basil leaves: Fresh and fragrant, basil lifts the flavors with an herbaceous note.
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese: Shredded for a sharp, salty contrast that enhances the creaminess.
- 2 cups baby spinach: Provides a mild, leafy green crunch and a boost of nutrients.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Adds creamy smoothness that binds everything perfectly.
- ½ cup sour cream: Brings a subtle tang and richness to the dressing.
- ½ cup Italian dressing: A zesty and herby base for the dressing that ties all flavors together.
- â…“ cup Parmesan cheese: Grated extra parmesan for the dressing, delivering sharpness and depth.
- 1 tablespoon oil from sundried tomatoes: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a silky texture to the dressing.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced to inject a punch of savory aroma and flavor.
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves: Chopped for the dressing, enhancing herbaceous brightness.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just a touch to give the dressing a subtle and pleasant heat.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, perfect for balancing and rounding out all the flavors.
How to Make Marry Me Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Start with a large bowl and toss together the boiled and cooled cheese tortellini with the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped sundried tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, shredded parmesan, and baby spinach. This colorful mix sets the stage for a salad packed with texture and fresh flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Italian dressing, grated parmesan, oil from the sundried tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil leaves, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. This creamy, tangy dressing is the heart of the Marry Me Pasta Salad Recipe, delivering that perfect savory punch with every bite.
Step 3: Combine Salad and Dressing
Gently fold the dressing into the pasta mixture. Take your time here, ensuring every piece of tortellini and every handful of greens gets coated evenly without breaking your delicate ingredients.
Step 4: Chill to Enhance Flavors
Pop your salad into the refrigerator for at least four hours. This resting time lets the flavors meld together beautifully, so everything tastes more vibrant and harmonious when you serve it.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, add a few extra cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves on top for a bright, fresh finish. Then dig in and enjoy the magic of your homemade Marry Me Pasta Salad Recipe!
How to Serve Marry Me Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh basil leaves and halved cherry tomatoes on top right before serving does wonders. Not only do they bring a pop of color that makes the dish look stunning, but they also deliver fresh bursts of bright, herby flavor that keep every bite lively and exciting.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, crusty garlic bread, or a simple green salad. It’s quite versatile, so you can easily make it the star of your meal or let it complement a larger spread during barbecues or family dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving the Marry Me Pasta Salad Recipe in individual clear glass jars or small bowls for a charming, elegant touch. You can also add edible flowers or sprinkle a bit of extra parmesan for a photo-worthy presentation that tastes as good as it looks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen with time, making for an even tastier next-day meal or snack.
Freezing
While freezing pasta salads with creamy dressings is not recommended because the texture can change, you can freeze the cooked tortellini separately if you want to prep ahead. Just thaw completely before mixing with fresh ingredients and dressing.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warmer, simply let it sit out for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture of the pasta and dressing.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini adds a lovely creamy center, you can swap in bowtie, rotini, or penne for a different texture. Just be sure to cook and cool them properly before mixing with the other ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Marry Me Pasta Salad Recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it uses dairy and plant-based ingredients but no meat. Just check labels on store-bought dressings to ensure they fit your preferences.
What’s the best way to prep this salad for a party?
Make the salad and dressing separately up to 24 hours ahead. Combine and toss them a few hours before serving to keep all ingredients fresh and vibrant. Always chill for optimal flavor development.
Can I add proteins like chicken or shrimp?
Definitely! Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp pair beautifully with this pasta salad, turning it into a heartier meal. Just add them right before serving to maintain their juiciness and texture.
How spicy is this salad with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add only a gentle warmth, not overpowering heat. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste, or leave them out if you prefer a milder flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a pasta salad that combines fresh ingredients, creamy dressing, and irresistible flavor, the Marry Me Pasta Salad Recipe is your new best friend. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and full of taste that speaks for itself. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this wonderful salad as much as I do — it truly has the power to make any meal feel special.
Print
Marry Me Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and creamy Marry Me Pasta Salad combining tender cheese tortellini with fresh cherry and sundried tomatoes, fragrant basil, baby spinach, and a rich, flavorful dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and Italian dressing. Perfectly chilled and garnished, this salad is a delightful, easy-to-make dish ideal for gatherings or light meals.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 19 ounces cheese tortellini (boiled, drained, cooled)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes (chopped)
- ¼ cup basil leaves
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 2 cups baby spinach
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup Italian dressing
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tablespoon oil from sundried tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Pasta and Vegetables: In a large bowl, add the boiled, drained, and cooled cheese tortellini with halved cherry tomatoes, chopped sundried tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, shredded parmesan cheese, and baby spinach. Gently toss to mix evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Italian dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, oil from sundried tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil leaves, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. This mixture forms the creamy, flavorful dressing.
- Whisk Dressing: Thoroughly whisk the dressing ingredients together until smooth and well incorporated, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully.
- Mix Dressing and Pasta: Gently fold the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, being careful not to break the tortellini or bruise the fresh ingredients, to evenly coat everything.
- Chill Salad: Place the combined salad into the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours. This step helps the flavors to meld and the salad to set perfectly for serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the pasta salad with additional cherry tomatoes and basil leaves for a fresh and vibrant presentation.
- Enjoy: Serve chilled as a refreshing, satisfying dish ideal for potlucks, picnics, or light meals.
Notes
- Boil the tortellini as per package instructions, drain well, and allow to cool before assembling the salad to prevent sogginess.
- Using the oil from sundried tomatoes adds a nice depth of flavor; reserve this oil if using store-bought sundried tomatoes packed in oil.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste, especially considering the saltiness of the parmesan and dressing.
- Chilling the salad for the full 4 hours is crucial for flavor integration and texture.
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or cooked bacon bits.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; stir gently before serving.
