Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that brings together fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a summer picnic, a family gathering, or simply craving a hearty salad, this pasta salad is sure to impress. The blend of cheesy tortellini, crispy vegetables, and savory salami makes each bite a satisfying treat. With minimal effort and a burst of colors, it’s just what you need for a nutritious and appetizing meal.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 450
• Protein: 20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 40 grams
• Fat: 25 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Sugar: 4 grams
• Sodium: 900 mg

Why Make This Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

This Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate fresh vegetables into your diet, and the combination of textures — from the soft tortellini to the crunchy cucumbers — will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Plus, this salad is perfect for meal prep, as it keeps well in the refrigerator, making it an excellent option for busy weekdays or as a make-ahead dish for gatherings.

How to Make Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

Creating your own Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be savoring this dish in no time!

Ingredients:

• 20 ounces of 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
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Step 1: Preparation

  Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.

• Step 2: Mixing

  In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, mozzarella, red onion, and diced salami.

• Step 3: Dressing

  Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well coated in the dressing.

• Step 4: Finishing

  Add in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Toss again lightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, give the salad a final toss, and if necessary, add a bit more dressing if the pasta has absorbed too much. Serve chilled and enjoy your Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad!

How to Serve Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

This pasta salad shines best when served cold, making it a refreshing dish for warm days. Consider serving it as a side dish at barbecues, alongside grilled meats, or as a main feature for a light lunch. Garnishing with extra basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can add a nice touch of flair.

How to Store Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

To store any leftover pasta salad, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will maintain its best quality for about 3-5 days. Just be aware that the pasta may continue to absorb the dressing over time, so you might want to add a bit more before serving again.

Expert Tips for Perfect Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables like tomatoes and basil can significantly enhance flavor, so choose the freshest you can find.
2. Make Your Own Dressing: For a fresher taste, consider making homemade Italian dressing; it’s simple and allows you to control the flavors.
3. Customize: Feel free to swap out vegetables or proteins to suit your tastes. For example, substitute pepperoni for salami or add diced bell peppers for extra crunch.
4. Chill It Right: Allowing the salad to sit in the refrigerator helps meld the flavors, so don’t skip this step.

Delicious Variations

• Mediterranean Twist: Add artichokes, feta cheese, and fresh spinach for a Mediterranean flair.
• Vegan Version: Swap tortellini for whole grain pasta and use chickpeas instead of salami, adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Garden Fresh: Include seasonal veggies like bell peppers, radishes, or snap peas to make the salad even more colorful and nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use frozen tortellini?
  Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly in this recipe—just follow the cooking instructions on the package.

• How long can I leave the salad out?
  It’s best to keep the salad refrigerated until serving to avoid any food safety issues, especially on warm days.

• Can this salad be made ahead of time?
  Yes, it tastes even better after sitting for a bit, as the flavors meld together. Just store it correctly in the fridge.

• What can I substitute for salami?
  If you’re looking for alternatives, diced chicken, turkey, or even grilled vegetables could work well.

• Is this salad gluten-free?
  For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free tortellini or substitute with quinoa or rice pasta.

Conclusion

Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is a wonderful mix of flavor, texture, and color that’s both filling and refreshing. With its simplicity and adaptability, it’s a dish every home cook should try. So gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and soon you’ll have a delicious salad at your table. Enjoy the compliments that come your way as everyone digs into this delightful dish!

Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful Italian pasta salad featuring cheesy tortellini, fresh vegetables, and savory salami, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, mozzarella, red onion, and diced salami.
3. Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well coated in the dressing.
4. Add in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Toss again lightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, give the salad a final toss, and if necessary, add a bit more dressing if the pasta has absorbed too much. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator before serving to meld flavors. Customize with various vegetables or proteins as desired.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 30mg