Description
A refreshing and flavorful Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad packed with cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, savory salami, and a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect as a make-ahead side dish or a light main course for warm-weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 20 ounces fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella balls or cubed mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1 cup Italian salami, diced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini: Prepare the tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the tortellini to cool completely.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the cooled tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, black olives, mozzarella, sliced red onion, and diced Italian salami.
- Add the dressing: Drizzle the Italian dressing over the combined salad ingredients in the bowl.
- Toss to coat: Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Incorporate cheese and basil: Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil leaves to the salad. Toss lightly again to combine.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavor as desired.
- Chill: Refrigerate the prepared pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- Final toss and adjustment: Before serving, toss the salad once more. If the pasta has absorbed too much dressing, add a little more to refresh it.
- Serve: Serve the Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen tortellini depending on availability; fresh will yield the best texture.
- The salad can be made a day ahead; just keep it chilled and well covered.
- Substitute the salami with pepperoni or omit for a vegetarian option (use vegan cheese to keep it vegetarian).
- Adjust the amount of dressing based on preference for a lighter or more dressed salad.
- Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can boost freshness if desired.
