Description
Delightful Tortellini Pasta Salad brings Italian charm to summer gatherings with its zesty blend of cheese-filled pasta, fresh vegetables, and tangy dressing. Mediterranean flavors dance together, creating a refreshing dish you’ll crave at picnics and potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) tortellini pasta
- 1 cup salami, diced
Cheese and Vegetables:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, diced or mini mozzarella balls
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
Dressing and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Boil tortellini in salted water for 3-4 minutes or until they float to the surface, following package cooking time guidelines.
- Drain pasta immediately and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Allow tortellini to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 10-15 minutes.
- Prepare vegetables by chopping cucumber into uniform small cubes and halving cherry tomatoes.
- Dice salami into bite-sized pieces and roughly chop mozzarella into small chunks.
- Create vinaigrette by whisking olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a separate container until ingredients are well combined.
- Transfer cooled tortellini into a large mixing bowl and add prepared salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, and cucumber.
- Pour prepared dressing over salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to enhance flavor integration.
- Remove from refrigerator, give a quick stir, and serve chilled as a refreshing pasta salad.
Notes
- Keep tortellini slightly firm to prevent mushiness, aiming for an al dente texture that holds its shape in the salad.
- Chill ingredients before mixing to enhance flavor absorption and maintain a crisp, refreshing feel.
- Swap salami with grilled chicken or tofu for lighter protein options that cater to different dietary preferences.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley as a final garnish to boost the salad’s brightness and aromatic profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg