Tortellini Pasta Salad

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Begin by cooking the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and let it cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, chopped salami, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, cubed mozzarella, diced red onion, diced red and green peppers, and chopped basil leaves.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the kosher salt, black pepper, zesty Italian dressing, and pesto sauce.
4. Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta salad ingredients, stirring gently until everything is well coated.
5. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top and toss lightly.
6. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serving Tortellini Pasta Salad is as easy as it gets! You can present it in a large bowl with a sprinkle of extra parmesan on top, or for a more elegant touch, serve individual portions in vibrant bowls. Pair it with grilled chicken, fresh garlic bread, or enjoy it alongside a refreshing glass of lemon iced tea. This salad also works wonderfully as part of a buffet spread for summer barbecues or potlucks.

How to Store & Freeze

To keep your Tortellini Pasta Salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to save some for later, it’s best to keep the salad dressing separate until just before serving. While it’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to the vegetables’ texture, you can freeze the tortellini salad without dressing and refresh it with a fresh batch before enjoying it again.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Cook the tortellini al dente, as it will absorb some dressing and become softer while chilling.
• For extra flavor, consider adding some diced sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts.
• If you want a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile nicely.

Creative Twists

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Substitute the cheese tortellini for spinach or whole wheat versions for a healthier kick, or add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a fuller meal. If you’re aiming for a vegan version, swap the cheese for tofu cubes and use a plant-based dressing.

Common Questions

1. How long does this salad take to prepare?
   Typically, this Tortellini Pasta Salad can be made in about 30 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes for chilling.

2. Can I use different types of pasta?
   Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is a highlight, you can easily substitute with any pasta of your choice, such as penne or farfalle.

3. Is it safe to eat leftovers after a few days?
   Yes, as long as the salad has been stored properly in the fridge in an airtight container, it should be safe to consume for up to 3 days.

4. What can I use if I don’t have zesty Italian dressing?
   A homemade mix of olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs can be a great substitute if you’re out of zesty Italian dressing.

5. Can I add or remove any ingredients?
   This recipe is very flexible! You can leave out or replace any ingredients based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

Tortellini Pasta Salad

This vibrant Tortellini Pasta Salad features cheese tortellini, fresh veggies, and savory salami, making it the ultimate summer side dish or light meal.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Proteins

• 24 oz cheese tortellini Cook according to package instructions.
• 1 cup chopped salami Can substitute with turkey or chicken.

Vegetables and Cheese

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed Use fresh mozzarella for best taste.
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup red pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup green pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup sweet basil leaves, chopped

Dressing

• 1/2 cup zesty Italian salad dressing Can use homemade dressing.
• 2 tbsp pesto sauce
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Toppings

• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated Sprinkle on top before serving.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and let it cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, chopped salami, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, cubed mozzarella, diced red onion, diced red and green peppers, and chopped basil leaves.

Dressing

1. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the kosher salt, black pepper, zesty Italian dressing, and pesto sauce.
2. Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta salad ingredients, stirring gently until everything is well coated.
3. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top and toss lightly.

Chilling

1. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Notes

Best served cold. Can be paired with grilled chicken or enjoyed alongside a refreshing glass of lemon iced tea.