Description
Savory Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad brings Mediterranean flavors to your summer gathering. Loaded with salami, mozzarella, and zesty herbs, this dish promises a delightful escape you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (20 ounces / 567 grams) bag refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 9 ounces (255 grams) hard salami (sliced)
- 8 ounces (227 grams) mozzarella pearls
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup bell pepper (chopped (any color: red, green, yellow, or orange))
- 1 (6 ounces / 170 grams) can black olives, drained
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (shredded or grated (optional))
Dressing and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the vinaigrette by vigorously whisking olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until thoroughly emulsified. Refrigerate the dressing while assembling other components.
- Boil cheese tortellini in salted water for 3-4 minutes at medium-high heat, following package instructions. Immediately drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking process, then allow to cool completely.
- Select a spacious mixing bowl and combine cooled tortellini with cubed salami, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, sliced black olives, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil ribbons, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Drizzle prepared vinaigrette over the pasta mixture, gently tossing to ensure uniform coating. Seal the bowl and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and intensify.
- Prior to serving, redistribute the salad ingredients by giving another gentle toss. Optionally sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese across the top or fold into the entire salad for enhanced flavor profile.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing main course or accompaniment, showcasing vibrant Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.
Notes
- Rinse tortellini with cold water immediately after cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect al dente texture.
- Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even distribution and balanced flavor in every bite.
- Marinate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow ingredients to absorb the zesty vinaigrette, intensifying the overall taste profile.
- Customize the salad by substituting salami with grilled chicken or tofu for lighter protein options, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 484 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 730 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg