Italian cuisine is a treasure trove of vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and culinary traditions passed down through generations. Among its many mouth-watering dishes, the Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad with Salami and Mozzarella stands out as an exceptional blend of bold tastes, making it the perfect choice for casual gatherings, special events, or even an everyday meal.
This dish combines the richness of cheese tortellini, the savory kick of salami, and the creaminess of mozzarella, all brought together by a zesty Italian vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta Salad:
- 1 20 oz. bag refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 9 oz. hard salami sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup bell pepper chopped (any color: red, green, yellow, or orange)
- 1 6 oz. can black olives, drained
- 8 oz. mozzarella pearls
- ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese shredded or grated (optional)
For the Italian Vinaigrette:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup red wine vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Prepare the Vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until fully combined. Store the vinaigrette in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the salad. Give it a quick whisk again before adding it to the salad.
Cook the Tortellini:
- Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
Assemble the Pasta Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini with the cubed salami, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, sliced black olives, mozzarella pearls, sliced basil, and red onion.
Toss with the Vinaigrette:
- Pour your desired amount of vinaigrette over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve:
- Before serving, toss the salad again and sprinkle each individual serving with parmesan cheese, or mix the parmesan into the entire salad if preferred.
- Enjoy this vibrant Italian tortellini pasta salad as a main dish or side!
1. Prepare the Italian Vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup olive oil, ½ cup red wine vinegar, 1½ tablespoons Italian seasoning, 3 garlic cloves, minced, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
- Once fully combined, refrigerate the vinaigrette while you prepare the salad. This helps meld the flavors together.
2. Cook the Cheese Tortellini:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the 20 oz. bag of cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 4-5 minutes for refrigerated tortellini.
- Drain and rinse the tortellini under cool water to stop the cooking process. Allow them to cool completely before adding them to the salad.
3. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled tortellini with 9 oz. of hard salami (cubed or sliced), 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup chopped bell pepper, 1 (6 oz.) can of drained black olives, 8 oz. mozzarella pearls, ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves (thinly sliced), and ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion.
4. Toss with Vinaigrette:
- Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad ingredients.
- Toss gently to ensure everything is well coated with the vinaigrette.
5. Refrigerate and Serve:
- Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss and sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired.
Serving Suggestions: How to Elevate Your Pasta Salad
The beauty of the Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad lies in its versatility. It can be served as a main dish or as a side at a summer barbecue, potluck, or family dinner. Here are a few serving tips to enhance your dish:
- Main Dish: Serve the salad alongside a crusty loaf of Italian bread or garlic knots for a complete meal.
- Side Dish: Pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for a heartier option.
- Appetizer: For a fun twist, you can serve small portions in individual cups at a party, giving guests an easy-to-eat option.
Why This Pasta Salad is Perfect for Any Occasion
There are many reasons why this Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser. From its combination of vibrant ingredients to its ease of preparation, it’s the ultimate dish for any gathering. The salad is not only beautiful to look at but also packed with nutrition and satisfying flavors. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other dishes or simply relax before serving it.
Variations and Customization Ideas:
One of the best aspects of this salad is how customizable it is. You can easily swap out ingredients or add extras to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the salami and add roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for a meatless version.
- Spicy Kick: For those who like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or sliced pepperoncini.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for an extra protein punch.
- Different Cheeses: While mozzarella pearls are traditional, you could experiment with fresh burrata or shaved parmesan.
Storage and Leftovers: Keeping Your Pasta Salad Fresh
One of the great things about Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is that it holds up well in the fridge, making it a perfect make-ahead dish. Store any leftovers in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just be sure to give it a good toss before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom. If the salad looks a bit dry, add a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of red wine vinegar to refresh it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
Can I make this salad in advance?
Absolutely! This salad is ideal for making ahead of time. In fact, letting it sit for a few hours allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
Can I freeze this pasta salad?
Unfortunately, this salad doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh ingredients like tomatoes and mozzarella. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.
What other vegetables can I add to this salad?
You can customize this salad by adding cucumbers, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for even more flavor and texture.
More Recipe Suggestions:
Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Asiago Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken
Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad with Salami and Mozzarella
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad:
- 1 20 oz. bag refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 9 oz. hard salami sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup bell pepper chopped (any color: red, green, yellow, or orange)
- 1 6 oz. can black olives, drained
- 8 oz. mozzarella pearls
- ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese shredded or grated (optional)
For the Italian Vinaigrette:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup red wine vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until fully combined. Store the vinaigrette in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the salad. Give it a quick whisk again before adding it to the salad.
Cook the Tortellini:
- Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
Assemble the Pasta Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini with the cubed salami, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, sliced black olives, mozzarella pearls, sliced basil, and red onion.
Toss with the Vinaigrette:
- Pour your desired amount of vinaigrette over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve:
- Before serving, toss the salad again and sprinkle each individual serving with parmesan cheese, or mix the parmesan into the entire salad if preferred.
- Enjoy this vibrant Italian tortellini pasta salad as a main dish or side!
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