Costco Pasta Salad: The Best Summer Dish You’ll Regret Not Trying

Why I Fell in Love with Costco Pasta Salad

Costco pasta salad takes me back to summers spent with my grandmother.

We’d sit on her sun-drenched porch in late July, cicadas singing, eating cold pasta from those giant mixing bowls she loved. It wasn’t fancy—just tortellini, salami, some tomatoes—but it tasted like comfort. Years later, when I stumbled upon Costco’s version, it hit me like a nostalgic wave. I just had to recreate it—and now, I’m sharing the exact copycat recipe that brings back every memory. If you’ve ever longed for a dish that’s simple, soulful, and unforgettable, you’re in the right place.

If you’re a fan of creamy and savory pasta salads, you’ll also want to try our flavorful Grinder Pasta Salad — inspired by the viral sub sandwich.

What Makes Costco Pasta Salad So Popular?

Costco pasta salad isn’t just another deli item—it’s a standout star. The moment you open the container, you’re greeted by a colorful mix of cheese-filled tortellini, juicy grape tomatoes, bold slices of Genoa salami, creamy mozzarella, and crisp red onion. All of it is tossed in a tangy, zesty Italian dressing that brings the flavors to life.

What sets it apart is the perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and freshness. Unlike traditional mayonnaise-based pasta salads, Costco’s version is light, yet filling. You can serve it cold straight from the fridge, which makes it ideal for hot summer days or last-minute get-togethers. Whether it’s part of your weekly grocery haul or a must-have for your next party, this pasta salad delivers every single time.

The combination of hearty ingredients and bold flavors makes it versatile enough to be a side or a full meal. Plus, it’s so easy to love that even picky eaters often go back for seconds.

How It Differs from Traditional Pasta Salads

Traditional pasta salads often rely on elbow macaroni or penne and a heavy mayo-based dressing. That’s where Costco pasta salad flips the script. Instead of being creamy and dense, it’s bright, savory, and refreshingly light.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Costco Pasta Salad	Traditional Pasta Salad
Base Pasta	Cheese Tortellini	Elbow Macaroni or Penne
Dressing	Italian Vinaigrette	Mayonnaise-Based
Flavor Profile	Tangy, Zesty, Slightly Sweet	Creamy, Rich, Mild
Added Proteins	Genoa Salami, Mozzarella	Sometimes bacon or ham
Serving Temperature	Chilled or Cold	Chilled or Cold

This bold, Italian-inspired version gives a much more balanced flavor—acid from the vinaigrette, salt from the salami, and creaminess from the cheese. It’s a salad that doesn’t just sit on your plate—it wakes up your taste buds.

Using cheese tortellini instead of plain pasta also gives the dish more depth and texture. The added chew and cheesiness offer a satisfying bite in every forkful.

Another perk? Costco pasta salad isn’t drenched in dressing—it’s just enough to coat the ingredients and lock in flavor without turning mushy after a day in the fridge. That makes it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

For a bolder, more seasoned version, don’t miss our Salad Supreme Pasta Salad featuring that iconic red seasoning blend.

Ingredients Breakdown: What’s Really Inside Costco Pasta Salad?

Core Ingredients You’ll Need

If you’ve ever stared longingly at that container of Costco pasta salad, wondering what gives it that irresistible bite—it’s all about the ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to replicate it exactly at home:

• 6 Cups frozen cheese tortellini – This is the foundation. Unlike dry pasta, tortellini adds a rich, cheesy bite in every forkful.
• 3 Oz Genoa salami (matchstick cut) – Slightly fatty and deeply savory, it gives the salad its signature boldness.
• 5 Oz grape tomatoes (halved) – Juicy and sweet, these add freshness and a pop of color.
• 2 Oz sliced black or pearl olives – Earthy, salty, and essential for Mediterranean flavor.
• 1/3 Cup thin-sliced red onion – Sharp and crisp, offering just the right amount of punch.
• 2/3 Cup mozzarella (cubed) – Mild and creamy, the cheese balances the tangy dressing.
• 1/2 Cup robust Italian dressing – Use a zesty vinaigrette with herbs and spices to bind all the flavors.
• 2–3 shakes of balsamic vinegar – For depth and slight sweetness; a little goes a long way.

All of these come together to form the complete copycat Costco pasta salad—a dish that’s just as filling as it is flavorful.

✅ Pro Tip: Always rinse the tortellini with cold water after boiling to stop the cooking process. This keeps it from turning mushy when mixed with the rest of the salad.

Why These Ingredients Work So Well Together

Each component in Costco pasta salad is more than just filler—it plays a role:

Ingredient	Why It’s Important
Cheese Tortellini	Adds richness, chew, and cheesy creaminess
Genoa Salami	Brings umami depth and savory contrast
Grape Tomatoes	Cuts through saltiness with juicy sweetness
Black Olives	Offer bold, briny notes that enhance the Italian flair
Red Onion	Adds crunch and sharpness for balance
Mozzarella	Creamy texture to mellow out tangy elements
Italian Dressing	The flavor glue—bright, acidic, and full of herbs
Balsamic Vinegar	Enhances complexity and provides a slight sweetness

The genius behind this ingredient mix lies in the way opposites attract: salty with sweet, creamy with crisp, tangy with mild. That’s why Costco pasta salad doesn’t just taste good—it feels complete with every bite.

If you’re ever tempted to simplify or skip ingredients, think twice. Even the red onion—though raw—adds a necessary crunch and brightness that makes the dish pop.

How to Make Costco Pasta Salad at Home (Copycat Recipe)

Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Creating your own Costco pasta salad copycat recipe is easier than you might think—and frankly, way more satisfying. In under 30 minutes, you can prep a chilled, flavor-packed dish that rivals the original. Let’s get started.

1. Boil and Rinse the Tortellini

• Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
• Add a generous pinch of salt, then pour in 6 cups of frozen cheese tortellini.
• Cook until al dente—don’t overcook, or it’ll fall apart when mixed.
• Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Why it matters: Rinsing halts the cooking, keeps the pasta firm, and prevents it from becoming mushy in the salad.

2. Prep the Add-Ins

While the tortellini is cooling, get your mix-ins ready:

• Cut 3 oz Genoa salami into matchsticks
• Slice 5 oz grape tomatoes in half
• Thinly slice 1/3 cup red onion
• Cube 2/3 cup mozzarella cheese
• Drain and measure out 2 oz of sliced black or pearl olives

Set each ingredient aside in prep bowls. This step keeps the process organized and efficient.

3. Mix It All Together

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini with all chopped ingredients.
• Add 1/2 cup of robust Italian dressing (like Wishbone Zesty Robusto).
• Toss everything gently to coat evenly.

Tip: Use a wide spoon or spatula to avoid breaking the tortellini.

4. Add Balsamic Vinegar (But Gently)

• Shake in 2–3 light dashes of balsamic vinegar.
• Mix again, taste, and decide if it needs more. Start small—you can always add more later.

Balsamic adds subtle sweetness and acidity that deepens the overall flavor. Don’t skip it!

5. Chill and Serve

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
• Place in the fridge for at least 1–2 hours (overnight is even better).
• Just before serving, taste again and adjust with more dressing or salt if needed.

And voilà—you’ve just made a homemade Costco pasta salad that’s ready to steal the spotlight at your next dinner, picnic, or potluck.

Craving something with a summery flair? You’ll love our Street Corn Pasta Salad — full of sweet corn, lime, and creamy goodness.

Pro Tips for Maximum Flavor

Tip	Why It Helps
Chill overnight	Deepens flavor as ingredients marinate
Use fresh mozzarella	Offers better texture and creaminess than pre-shredded
Don’t skip the balsamic	Adds depth and tang that rounds out the flavor
Toss again before serving	Dressing may settle—this refreshes the mix
Add herbs like basil or oregano	Enhances aroma and gives it an authentic Italian finish

You don’t need to be a chef to make this work—just follow the steps, and let the Costco pasta salad magic do the rest.

Meal Prep Benefits of Costco Pasta Salad

Is Costco Pasta Salad Meal-Prep Friendly?

Absolutely—Costco pasta salad is made for meal prep. It’s one of those rare dishes that actually improves in flavor after a day or two in the fridge. The ingredients absorb the vinaigrette and balsamic, making each bite more flavorful than the last.

What’s even better? It stores perfectly. Unlike lettuce-based salads that wilt quickly or mayo-based ones that separate, this pasta salad holds up beautifully. The tortellini stays firm, the tomatoes keep their pop, and the salami holds its savoriness. That makes it a dream for busy people, families, or anyone who needs grab-and-go meals without sacrificing taste.

If you’re into planning your meals ahead, this is a low-effort, high-reward staple. Just prep it on Sunday, portion it into containers, and you’re set for several lunches or dinners throughout the week.

How Long Does It Last in the Fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Costco pasta salad can stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge. Here’s how to make it last longer:

Storage Tip	Benefit
Use airtight containers	Prevents drying out or absorbing fridge odors
Store dressing separately (optional)	Prevents sogginess for longer storage
Stir before serving	Redistributes any settled ingredients
Don’t overdo balsamic at first	Allows flavor to stay balanced over time

After day 4 or 5, the texture of the tortellini might start to change, becoming a bit softer, but it’s still totally safe and tasty to eat if stored correctly.

Also, because this salad is rich and filling, you don’t need a huge serving to feel satisfied. One medium container can often stretch to 3–4 smaller meals, making it a budget-friendly option too.

Bonus Tip: Add a few extra splashes of Italian dressing before eating your leftovers. It refreshes the salad like it was just made.

Whether you’re feeding a family or planning lunches for a week of workdays, Costco pasta salad makes the whole process easier—and a lot more delicious.

Health and Nutrition: Is Costco Pasta Salad a Healthy Option?

Calorie and Macronutrient Overview

While Costco pasta salad isn’t a “light” salad by any means, it strikes a surprisingly good balance between indulgence and nutrition. It’s got protein, fats, carbs, and fiber—all in one convenient bowl.

Here’s a typical nutritional estimate for one cup (about 200g) of the homemade version:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	~350 kcal
Total Fat	~18 g
Saturated Fat	~6 g
Carbohydrates	~30 g
Sugars	~4 g
Protein	~12 g
Sodium	~680 mg
Fiber	~2 g

The actual values can vary depending on the brand of dressing or the type of tortellini used. For example, swapping in a low-fat mozzarella or reducing salami can drop the fat content significantly.

Want to understand more about what fuels your body? Read about macronutrients and how they affect energy balance.

Health Pros and Cons

Let’s be honest—this isn’t a “diet” food. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t fit into a balanced lifestyle. Here’s the good, the not-so-bad, and the stuff to watch out for.

The Pros

• Protein-Rich – The cheese, salami, and pasta deliver a steady source of protein to help you feel full longer.
• Good Fats – The Italian dressing (especially olive-oil based) and mozzarella provide unsaturated fats that support heart health.
• Veggie Power – Grape tomatoes, onions, and olives offer micronutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Perfect for Portion Control – It’s filling, so even a small amount satisfies.

The Cons

• High in Sodium – Salami and dressing contribute to sodium levels, so it’s not ideal for low-sodium diets.
• Carb-Heavy – Pasta is naturally high in carbs, which is something to keep an eye on if you’re following a low-carb eating plan.
• Fat Content – While some fats are good, too much saturated fat (like what’s in processed salami) can add up.

Curious how dietary fiber impacts digestion and weight control? Explore dietary fiber on Wikipedia for a deep dive.

Can You Make It Healthier? Absolutely.

Here’s how:

• Use whole wheat tortellini for added fiber
• Opt for low-sodium salami or turkey pepperoni
• Try a light Italian dressing with less oil
• Load it up with more veggies like cucumbers, spinach, or arugula
• Add chickpeas or white beans for extra plant-based protein

Making these swaps can turn Costco pasta salad from an occasional indulgence to a smart, nutritious meal option any day of the week.

Fun Variations and Ingredient Swaps

How to Make It Your Own

One of the best things about the Costco pasta salad recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re trying to make it healthier, cater to dietary restrictions, or just spice things up, there are countless ways to customize it without losing the signature bold, tangy flavor.

Here are some of the most popular (and tasty) ingredient swaps and add-ins:

Swap This	For This	Why It Works
Genoa salami	Turkey pepperoni or grilled chicken	Lower fat and sodium, still savory
Mozzarella cubes	Feta or vegan cheese	Adds boldness or meets dairy-free needs
Italian dressing	Greek or balsamic vinaigrette	Brings different regional flavor profiles
Black olives	Green olives or capers	Slightly different salt levels, more tang
Grape tomatoes	Sun-dried tomatoes	Intensifies the tomato flavor
Tortellini	Whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta	Boosts fiber and protein
Red onion	Shallots or green onion	Softer bite or milder taste

These tweaks help tailor your Costco pasta salad to whatever crowd you’re serving or diet you’re following.

Try This: Use tricolor tortellini for a more vibrant presentation—it looks amazing on buffet tables or in meal-prep containers.

Flavor Twist Ideas

Want to go beyond the Italian style? Here are three bold flavor spin-offs that keep the core recipe intact but give your taste buds something new to love:

1. Greek Pasta Salad Version

• Swap in feta cheese, kalamata olives, and Greek dressing.
• Add cucumber, chickpeas, and roasted red pepper.

Great for summer parties when you want something lighter but still deeply flavorful.

2. Tex-Mex Pasta Salad

• Use grilled corn, black beans, and jalapeños.
• Add a chipotle ranch or avocado-lime dressing instead of Italian.

This version adds a smoky, spicy kick that works well with BBQ or tacos.

3. Veggie-Heavy Garden Style

• Bulk it up with steamed broccoli, zucchini, or snap peas.
• Use balsamic glaze and Parmesan flakes for elegance.

Perfect for vegetarians or anyone craving something green and wholesome.

You can even adjust textures by adding crunchy toppings like roasted sunflower seeds, pine nuts, or garlic croutons just before serving. No matter how you remix it, Costco pasta salad remains your reliable canvas for creativity.

Discover even more easy crowd-pleasers in our Pasta Salad Recipes section, perfect for parties, BBQs, and weekday lunches.

Hosting with Costco Pasta Salad

Why It’s Perfect for Parties

If you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a casual game night, or even a more upscale dinner party, Costco pasta salad is the kind of side dish that disappears fast. It’s hearty enough to satisfy, cool enough to serve on a hot day, and affordable enough to feed a crowd without draining your wallet.

Here’s what makes it party-perfect:

Reason	Why It Matters
Make-ahead friendly	Prepping the day before saves stress
Easy to scale	Double or triple the batch effortlessly
Crowd-pleasing ingredients	No polarizing flavors or odd textures
Looks great in big bowls	Colorful and visually appealing
Tastes even better cold	No reheating logistics needed

Because it’s served chilled, you don’t need to worry about keeping it hot—just set it out with serving tongs and let people dig in. It’s also incredibly versatile: it pairs just as well with grilled meats as it does with vegetarian mains or sandwiches.

Pro Tip: Want to impress your guests? Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley on top and drizzle a touch of balsamic glaze for that gourmet touch.

Serving Tips for Guests

Presentation matters—especially when you’re hosting. Here’s how to elevate your Costco pasta salad game:

1. Choose the Right Bowl

Opt for a large, shallow serving bowl that allows for an even spread. Clear glass or white ceramic bowls highlight the colors beautifully.

2. Add Garnishes Just Before Serving

Fresh herbs, lemon zest, or even a quick shake of Parmesan give it a professional finish. You can also include small bowls of extra dressing and red pepper flakes on the side.

3. Portion It Out for Events

If you’re hosting a buffet-style event, consider dividing the salad into several smaller bowls placed across the table. This reduces traffic bottlenecks and ensures it stays cold longer.

4. Label It for Allergies

If you’ve made variations—like a dairy-free or vegetarian version—add small label cards to indicate ingredients for guests with dietary needs.

5. Pair It Thoughtfully

Serve alongside grilled chicken, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or even a charcuterie board. It also makes a stellar side dish for burgers and kabobs.

No matter the occasion, Costco pasta salad is the unsung hero that guests will talk about long after the plates are cleared.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why You Need to Try This Costco Pasta Salad

At the end of the day, Costco pasta salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a delicious shortcut to comfort, flavor, and convenience.

It’s the kind of salad that makes you feel like you cooked something special, even if it took just 25 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing lunches, or recreating nostalgic family recipes like I did, this pasta salad delivers every single time.

From the richness of the tortellini to the boldness of the salami, the burst of tomatoes to the crunch of red onions, every bite brings something to the table—literally. It’s satisfying enough to be the main meal, flexible enough to fit any diet, and easy enough to become a weekly staple.

So why wait? Give it a shot. Your tastebuds—and your future self—will thank you.

When a recipe is this flavorful, crowd-pleasing, and simple to prep… there’s no excuse not to make it.