Ravioli pasta salad is the perfect dish for a satisfying lunch or even a light dinner. Packed with tender, cheese-filled ravioli, vibrant veggies, and a zesty dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering!

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We love pasta salads in our home so much that we make them no matter the season. They’re the perfect quick lunch, and even more so when I use ravioli instead of pasta.

That’s because ravioli cook quicker than pasta, so you can save time right there. Plus, the cheesy filling makes any pasta salad extra special!

This ravioli pasta salad is loaded with loads of Italian goodness — think juicy tomatoes, pillowy mini mozzarella bowls, salty salami, olives and artichokes all in a deliciously zesty dressing!

Why you’ll love this ravioli pasta salad

It’s super easy to make for a quick yet delicious lunch.
You can make it your own with your favorite add-ins — great for using up what you have in the fridge.
It’s hearty and comforting, perfect for potlucks and gatherings, too!

What you’ll need

Extra virgin olive oil — Use the best quality you can for a truly special dressing.

White wine vinegar — To add that extra zest to the dressing.

Fresh lemon juice — Freshly squeezed is always best! You can also add some grated lemon zest for even more flavor.

Garlic — I like loads of garlic in this pasta salad dressing but feel free to adjust to your taste.

Dijon mustard — This is optional but I really think it makes the dressing better.

Herbs — A mix of dried basil and oregano for that Italian touch.

Parmesan — Because what is a pasta salad dressing without a generous sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan?

Ravioli — I like cheese-filled ravioli in this salad as they pair perfectly with the rest of the flavors.

However, use whatever kind you like — spinach and ricotta or prosciutto ravioli both work well.

Veggies — I made this ravioli pasta salad with red bell peppers and red onion but you can add just about any veggies you have on hand.

Mozzarella — I love mini mozzarella balls for salads like this, but you can use any fresh mozzarella and cut it into bite-size pieces.

Salami — Both regular and spicy salami are great here.

Olives and artichokes — Use black or green olives; for the artichokes, make sure you drain them well if they’re packed in oil.

Pro tip

To prevent the ravioli from sticking together and breaking apart, toss them gently with a bit of olive oil after cooking and draining.

How to make pasta salad with ravioli

This is a quick overview with step-by-step photos. The full recipe with detailed steps is in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Cook the ravioli: Cook the cheese ravioli until al dente in boiling water, drain, rinse with cold water, and set them aside.

Prepare the dressing: Whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and Parmesan until well combined.

Mix the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ravioli, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, salami, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, artichoke hearts, and fresh basil.

Toss and serve: Pour the dressing over the salad, gently toss to coat evenly, and serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan or refrigerate for 30 minutes for even more flavor.

Substitutions and variations

This salad is super flexible. I often toss in whatever veggies I have on hand — cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or even roasted zucchini and eggplant.
If you don't like salami, you can substitute grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Stir in some feta cubes with the mozzarella or instead of it for a saltier cheese option.

Recipe tips and notes for the best cheese ravioli pasta salad

I always stir the ravioli gently while cooking to prevent them from bursting. A gentle boil is best. Make sure you follow the directions on the package so you don’t overcook them.
Let the pasta salad sit for 30 minutes in the fridge before serving to allow the flavors to develop more.
This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just store it in an airtight container, and it's an easy grab-and-go meal for busy days.

More pasta salad recipes

If you’ve tried this ravioli pasta salad recipe, please rate it and leave me a comment below! I’d love to hear how it turned out.