Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
A vibrant and flavorful Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad combining tender tortellini, savory salami, fresh vegetables, and mozzarella cheese, all tossed in zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a refreshing side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 12 oz tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 6 oz salami, diced
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup olives, sliced (optional)
Dressing and Seasoning
- ½ cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions—5-7 minutes for fresh tortellini or 8-10 minutes for frozen. Drain the tortellini in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced salami, cubed mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion. Add the sliced olives if using.
- Add Tortellini: Add the cooled tortellini to the bowl with the vegetables and salami.
- Toss Salad: Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad and gently toss to evenly combine all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, then serve cold.
Notes
- Rinsing the cooked tortellini with cold water prevents it from sticking and stops further cooking.
- Use your favorite variety of tortellini, cheese, or Italian dressing to customize flavors.
- Olives are optional; omit if you prefer a milder taste.
- The salad is best served chilled but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for an extra flavor boost.
Keywords: salami tortellini pasta salad, tortellini salad, Italian pasta salad, mozzarella pasta salad, cold pasta salad
