If you are craving a refreshing yet hearty dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, the Tortellini Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella, Salami, and Herb Vinaigrette Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful pasta salad combines tender cheese tortellini with juicy grape tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and savory salami, all tied together with a tangy, herbaceous vinaigrette that glistens with every bite. It’s a perfect blend of textures and tastes that can brighten up any meal or gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this salad is wonderfully simple, and each ingredient plays an essential role in creating that perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color. From the silky tortellini to the fresh herbs, every element brings something delicious to the table.
- Cheese tortellini (17-20 ounces): The tender, filled pasta forms the hearty base that holds all the flavors together.
- Olive oil (⅓ cup): Provides a smooth, rich mouthfeel and helps blend the vinaigrette beautifully.
- Red wine vinegar (½ cup): Adds the perfect zinginess and a subtle depth that balances the richness.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Acts as a natural emulsifier for the dressing with a gentle tang.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Offers a touch of sweetness to round out the acidity.
- Garlic clove (1, minced): Infuses the vinaigrette with aromatic warmth.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the existing flavors without overpowering them.
- Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and complexity.
- Grape tomatoes (16 ounces, halved): Bring juicy bursts of freshness and vibrant color.
- Fresh mozzarella pearls (8 ounces): Provide creamy, delicate bites of cheesy goodness.
- Chopped salami (1 cup): Offers a savory, slightly spicy contrast that makes the salad exciting.
- Yellow bell pepper (1, chopped): Adds crunch and a sweet, sunny note.
- Sliced pepperoncini peppers (½ cup): Introduce a tangy, mild heat for extra interest.
- Red onion (¼ cup, finely chopped): Lends a mild sharpness and subtle crunch.
- Fresh parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Brings herbaceous freshness that brightens the dish.
- Fresh basil (¼ cup, chopped): Adds a sweet, aromatic lift with every bite.
How to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella, Salami, and Herb Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Chill the Tortellini
Start by boiling your cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, typically about 10 minutes until tender but still a bit firm to the bite. Once drained, spread the tortellini out and refrigerate to cool it thoroughly. This cooling step ensures it won’t wilt your fresh vegetables or melt the mozzarella when combined.
Step 2: Whisk the Herb Vinaigrette
In a large salad bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until the dressing is perfectly emulsified and glossy. This vinaigrette is not only zesty but also packed with the aroma of fresh herbs that will coat every piece of the salad beautifully.
Step 3: Add the Fresh Ingredients
Next, add the halved grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, chopped salami, diced yellow bell pepper, sliced pepperoncini, finely chopped red onion, and the fresh parsley and basil to your bowl with the dressing. Toss everything gently to ensure each ingredient is lightly coated, infusing the entire salad with vibrant, savory flavor.
Step 4: Combine the Tortellini with the Salad
Finally, once the tortellini has chilled, add it to the bowl of dressed ingredients. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly so that the pasta absorbs that delicious herb vinaigrette and mingles perfectly with the other components for a balanced flavor in every forkful.
How to Serve Tortellini Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella, Salami, and Herb Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your salad, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, some extra chopped basil leaves, or a few whole pepperoncini peppers on top. These simple touches add a lovely visual pop and deepen the aroma just before serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad pairs amazingly well with grilled chicken, crusty Italian bread, or a light soup like a chilled gazpacho. These sides help round out the meal without overshadowing the star of the show — our vibrant Tortellini Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella, Salami, and Herb Vinaigrette Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Present this salad in a large glass bowl to show off all those dazzling colors. For a fun twist, serve it in individual mason jars or on a bed of fresh arugula for a peppery contrast. It also makes a fabulous picnic or potluck dish since it looks beautiful and travels well.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Tortellini Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella, Salami, and Herb Vinaigrette Recipe covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It holds up wonderfully for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld even further for an even tastier second helping.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and cheese, freezing is not recommended for this salad. The texture and flavor of the fresh ingredients would likely suffer, losing that delightful crispness and creaminess.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warmed, let it sit at room temperature for a little while before serving, but avoid microwaving as the cheese will soften too much and the fresh veggies will lose their snap.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini adds a lovely stuffed and tender bite, you can swap in other pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle if you prefer, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Yes, simply omit the salami and consider adding grilled vegetables or olives to keep the salad hearty and flavorful without the meat.
How long can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prepare the salad up to one day ahead. Just keep the dressing separate and toss it with the pasta and other ingredients right before serving for the best texture.
Can I substitute fresh mozzarella pearls with other cheese?
If you can’t find fresh mozzarella pearls, cubed fresh mozzarella or small bocconcini also work wonderfully. Avoid pre-shredded varieties as they won’t provide the same creamy texture.
What type of pepperoncini should I use?
The classic jarred banana-style pepperoncini peppers are perfect here, offering just the right tang and mild heat without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Tortellini Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella, Salami, and Herb Vinaigrette Recipe enough if you want a dish that is bursting with fresh flavor, effortless to make, and endlessly versatile. Whether for a family dinner, potluck, or sunny picnic, this salad is bound to become a favorite you reach for again and again. So gather your ingredients and dive in — your taste buds are in for a real treat!
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Tortellini Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella, Salami, and Herb Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8 bowls
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Tortellini Pasta Salad featuring cheese tortellini, fresh mozzarella, crisp vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing summer meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 17–20 ounces cheese tortellini (1 large package)
Dressing
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ½ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Salad Mix-ins
- 16 ounces grape tomatoes (halved, about 2 pints)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (1 package)
- 1 cup chopped salami (or summer sausage)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (chopped)
- ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini: Boil the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and transfer to the refrigerator to cool completely before mixing.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large salad bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, kosher salt, and ground black pepper until emulsified and smooth.
- Combine the salad ingredients: Add the halved grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, chopped salami, yellow bell pepper, sliced pepperoncini, finely chopped red onion, chopped parsley, and chopped basil to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Mix in the cooled tortellini: Once the tortellini has cooled, add it to the salad bowl with the other ingredients. Toss everything well again to ensure the tortellini is fully coated with the dressing and all components are evenly distributed.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami or replace it with diced grilled vegetables or chickpeas.
- Make sure the tortellini is completely cooled before adding to avoid wilting the fresh ingredients.
- The salad tastes even better if allowed to chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Adjust the amount of honey or vinegar in the dressing to suit your preferred balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Use fresh herbs to maximize flavor and color.
- This pasta salad can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
