Description
A refreshing and flavorful Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad combining tender cheese tortellini with fresh vegetables, Italian salami, mozzarella, and a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish, this salad is easy to prepare, served chilled, and bursting with authentic Italian flavors.
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. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the tortellini to cool completely before proceeding.
- 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. Mix gently to combine.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle the Italian dressing evenly over the combined salad ingredients in the bowl.
- Toss the Salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure everything is well coated with the dressing.
- Add Cheese and Basil: Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil over the salad, then toss lightly to incorporate.
- Season: Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper as desired to enhance the flavors.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and develop fully.
- Final Touch: Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss. If the pasta has absorbed too much dressing, add a little more and mix gently.
- Serve: Serve the Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad chilled for a refreshing and delicious dish.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen tortellini based on availability.
- Customize vegetables or add extras like bell peppers or artichokes if desired.
- Allowing the salad to chill improves flavor blending.
- Adjust dressing quantity depending on personal preference for moisture.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami.
