Zesty Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe: A Fresh Summer Delight

Summer picnics call for a delightful tortellini pasta salad that packs incredible flavor into every colorful bite.

Cooling temperatures won’t diminish its vibrant appeal.

Each forkful promises a delectable dance of textures and Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.

Cheese-filled pasta twirls mingle with crisp vegetables and zesty herbs.

Fresh basil and cherry tomatoes add a bright, refreshing dimension to this crowd-pleasing dish.

Perfectly balanced flavors make this recipe a go-to for quick weeknight dinners or outdoor gatherings.

Ingredients For Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Tortellini: A delicate pasta filled with cheese or meat that adds a rich, hearty element to the salad.

• Red Onion, Cherry Tomatoes, Roasted Bell Pepper: Colorful vegetables that provide crunch and fresh flavor to the pasta salad.
• Fresh Basil, Arugula: Vibrant herbs that add a peppery and aromatic touch to the dish.

• Salami: A savory cured meat that brings a salty and robust flavor to the salad.
• Mozzarella: A soft, mild cheese that adds creamy texture and richness.

• Olive Oil, Vinegar: The base of the vinaigrette that creates a smooth and tangy dressing.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the salad.

• Olives: Briny and salty ingredient that provides a Mediterranean accent to the pasta salad.

Directions For Tortellini Pasta Salad

Step 1: Boil and Cool the Tortellini

Grab a pot and fill it with water.

Add a pinch of salt and bring to a rolling boil.

Carefully drop in the tortellini and cook exactly as the package recommends.

Once done, drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse with cold water until it feels cool to the touch.

Step 2: Craft the Zesty Vinaigrette

• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Minced garlic

Grab an immersion blender or standard blender and mix until the dressing looks smooth and creamy.

Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.

Set the vinaigrette aside.

Step 3: Build Your Flavor-Packed Salad

• Cooled tortellini
• Diced red onion
• Roasted bell peppers
• Juicy cherry tomatoes
• Kalamata olives
• Sliced salami
• Creamy mozzarella chunks

Pour the vinaigrette over the ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly.

Season with a final sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Chill and Finish

Slide the bowl into the refrigerator and let it cool for 1-2 hours.

• Torn basil leaves
• Peppery arugula

Serve and watch everyone dive in!

Helpful Tips For Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Rinse tortellini with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking, ensuring a perfect al dente bite.
• Use an immersion blender or food processor to create a silky-smooth vinaigrette that coats each ingredient evenly and enhances overall flavor.
• Refrigerate the pasta salad for 1-2 hours before serving to allow ingredients to marinate and develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Add fresh basil and arugula just before serving to maintain their vibrant color, crisp texture, and bright, herbaceous flavor.
• Swap salami for grilled chicken or tofu to accommodate different dietary preferences while keeping the salad's delicious essence intact.

Flavor Variations For Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Vegetarian Tortellini Salad: Replace salami with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas for a protein-packed plant-based version that maintains the salad's hearty texture.
• Mediterranean Greek Style: Swap mozzarella for feta cheese, add cucumber, and use kalamata olives to create a Greek-inspired flavor profile with zesty Mediterranean notes.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cheese tortellini and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, making the recipe safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Lighter Herb Version: Substitute the salami with fresh grilled chicken, increase fresh herbs like parsley and dill, and use a lighter yogurt-based vinaigrette for a refreshing summer meal.

Suggested Pairings For Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Picnic Perfect Plating: Serve this colorful tortellini salad on a large wooden board for a rustic, inviting presentation that screams summer gathering.
• Mediterranean Mezze Moment: Pair the salad alongside warm pita bread, hummus, and grilled vegetables to create a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal that delights every palate.
• Wine & Dine Delight: Complement the salad's rich flavors with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc, enhancing the dish's vibrant taste profile.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform this salad into a heartier meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein and sustained energy.

Storage Tips For Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Transfer leftover tortellini pasta salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the fresh basil and arugula separate to prevent wilting.
• Avoid freezing the entire salad as the vegetables and cheese will lose texture. If freezing, separate tortellini and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Gently warm tortellini in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring midway to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• What type of tortellini works best for this pasta salad?

Fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini are ideal, as they hold their shape well and provide a creamy texture. Frozen tortellini can also work, but make sure to drain and cool them completely before mixing.

• Can I make this pasta salad vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the salami and replace it with additional vegetables like roasted zucchini or artichoke hearts. The mozzarella can remain for protein and flavor.

• How long can this pasta salad stay fresh in the refrigerator?

This pasta salad will stay fresh for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and become more robust after the first day of chilling.

Tortellini Pasta Salad Reasons To Love

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on what's in your fridge, making this recipe super flexible for spontaneous meal planning.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and gatherings where you want a delicious dish that feeds many without complex preparation.
• Packed with Flavor Variety: Combines multiple taste profiles like tangy vinaigrette, salty salami, creamy mozzarella, and fresh herbs to create a vibrant eating experience.
• No-Fuss Preparation: Requires minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen tools, allowing even beginner cooks to create a restaurant-worthy pasta salad confidently.

Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Refreshing tortellini pasta salad brings Mediterranean flavors to summer gatherings with cheese-filled pasta, crisp vegetables, and zesty herb dressing. Fresh ingredients blend perfectly, creating a light yet satisfying dish you’ll crave at picnics and potlucks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Proteins:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) cheese tortellini
• 8 ounces (226 grams) fresh mozzarella ciliegine (drained)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) hard salami (diced)
• 2 cups baby arugula
• 20 fresh basil leaves (torn)

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 pint (473 milliliters) cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 2 roasted red bell peppers (diced)
• 1 cup pitted Castelvetrano olives (halved)
• 1/4 cup chopped sundried tomatoes

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2/3 cup olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil at medium-high heat. Cook tortellini for 3-5 minutes until al dente, following package instructions carefully.
2. Drain tortellini immediately and rinse under cold running water to halt cooking process. Allow pasta to cool completely, ensuring no residual heat remains.
3. Create vinaigrette by combining dressing ingredients in a mason jar. Use an immersion blender or standard blender to thoroughly emulsify ingredients until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Season vinaigrette with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting flavors as needed. Set dressing aside at room temperature.
5. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cooled tortellini with diced red onion, roasted bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, chopped salami, and cubed mozzarella.
6. Drizzle prepared vinaigrette over the pasta mixture, gently tossing to ensure even coating. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
7. Cover and refrigerate salad for 1-2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop. This chilling period enhances overall taste profile.
8. Just before serving, fold in fresh basil leaves and crisp arugula. Toss gently to distribute greens evenly throughout the pasta salad.

Notes

• Prevent mushy tortellini by cooking just until al dente and immediately rinsing with cold water to stop the cooking process.
• Customize the salad by swapping salami with grilled chicken or tofu for a lighter protein option that suits different dietary preferences.
• Enhance flavor by letting the salad marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing the dressing to deeply infuse into the pasta and ingredients.
• This pasta salad can be prepared a day in advance, with fresh herbs added just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 467 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 610 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg