Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
📝 Description:
Bright, bold, and bursting with Italian flavor! This Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad combines tender cheese-filled tortellini, savory salami, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and briny olives all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Fresh herbs add brightness, making this dish both hearty and refreshing. It’s your new favorite picnic salad—ready in under 30 minutes!
🧀 Ingredients:
- 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- ¾ cup sliced salami, chopped
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Cook the tortellini:
Boil according to package directions (usually 3–5 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Let cool. - Prep the ingredients:
While tortellini cools, halve cherry tomatoes, slice olives and onions, chop salami, and drain mozzarella balls. - Toss the salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked tortellini, tomatoes, mozzarella, salami, olives, and onion. - Dress & chill:
Pour in the Italian dressing and toss gently to coat. Add chopped herbs. Chill for 20–30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. - Serve:
Garnish with extra basil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, if desired.
💡 Notes & Tips:
- Don’t overcook the tortellini—it should be tender but not mushy.
- For a lighter version, use turkey or chicken sausage instead of salami.
- Add-ins: Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts add great depth.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the salami.
- Make ahead: It gets better after chilling, so make it up to 1 day in advance.
🍽 Servings:
- Serves 6–8 as a side dish
- Serves 3–4 as a main meal
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Side Dish – Approximate):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
(Will vary depending on exact ingredients and dressing used.)
🌟 Health Benefits:
- Protein-rich: From tortellini, cheese, and salami.
- Balanced macros: Carbs, protein, and healthy fats.
- Antioxidants & fiber: From fresh tomatoes, herbs, and onions.
- Portable & meal-prep friendly: Great for lunchboxes or quick dinners.
❓ Q & A:
Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A: Yes! Just cook according to the package and rinse with cold water before using.
Q: What’s the best Italian dressing to use?
A: A zesty vinaigrette with garlic, oregano, and vinegar works best. Homemade or store-bought both work well.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes—it’s even better the next day! Just toss with a little extra dressing before serving if it looks dry.
Q: Is this salad served cold or warm?
A: Best served chilled or at room temperature.
Q: Can I swap mozzarella balls for something else?
A: Yes! Cubed provolone or shredded mozzarella also work well.