Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is simple to make and perfect for any gathering. I love how this recipe combines fresh ingredients with tender pasta. You can prepare it ahead of time, so it saves you stress when hosting. Then, we just toss everything together and let the flavors mix. It has a bright taste that everyone enjoys, but also feels filling and satisfying. So whether you need lunch or a side dish, this pasta salad works perfectly.

Ingredients For Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

For the pasta salad:

• 1 (20 oz.) bag refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 9 oz. hard salami, diced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 cup bell pepper, chopped (any color you like)
• 1 (6 oz.) can sliced black olives, drained
• 8 oz. mozzarella pearls
• ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup red onion, sliced thin
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

For the Italian dressing:

• ½ cup olive oil
• ½ cup red wine vinegar
• 1½ tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

How To Make Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

Make the dressing:

1. Mix all dressing ingredients together in a small bowl with a whisk.
2. Store the dressing in the fridge while you prepare the salad.
3. Whisk again before using if the oil separates.

Prepare the salad:

1. Cook the tortellini following the package directions until tender.
2. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
3. Let the tortellini cool completely in a large mixing bowl.
4. Add the salami, tomatoes, bell pepper, olives, mozzarella, basil, and red onion to the bowl.
5. Pour your desired amount of dressing over the salad.
6. Toss everything together until well coated.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
8. Before serving, toss again and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Expert Baking Tips For Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

Don’t skip the cooling step: Make sure your tortellini is completely cool before mixing. Hot pasta will make your other ingredients soggy and wilted.

Save some dressing: Start with half the dressing and add more as needed. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.

Cut ingredients uniformly: Keep your salami, tomatoes, and peppers roughly the same size so every bite has balanced flavors.

Fresh herbs matter: Use fresh basil instead of dried for the best taste. Add it right before serving to keep it bright green.

Quality ingredients count: Use good olive oil and real parmesan cheese for the richest flavor.

Storing And Freezing

Refrigerator storage: This pasta salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in a covered container. The flavors actually get better after sitting overnight.

Before serving leftovers: Give the salad a good stir and add a little extra dressing if it looks dry.

Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this salad. The vegetables and cheese don’t freeze well and will become watery when thawed.

Make ahead tip: You can prep all ingredients up to 1 day ahead. Store the dressed salad covered in the refrigerator.

What to Serve with Tortellini Pasta Salad?

This pasta salad works great as a side dish or light main course. Here are some perfect pairings:

For BBQs and picnics: Serve alongside grilled chicken, hamburgers, or hot dogs. It also pairs well with corn on the cob and watermelon.

As a light lunch: Add some crusty bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.

For potlucks: This recipe feeds a crowd and travels well. Bring some extra parmesan cheese on the side.

With Italian dishes: Serve as a side with grilled Italian sausages, chicken parmesan, or garlic bread.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes! Try penne, rotini, or farfalle if you can’t find tortellini. Cook according to package directions.

What if I don’t like olives?
Simply leave them out or substitute with sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the salami and add more vegetables like cucumber, zucchini, or artichoke hearts.

How do I keep the basil from turning black?
Add fresh basil right before serving, or store it separately and mix in when ready to eat.

Can I use bottled Italian dressing instead?
You can, but homemade tastes much better. If using bottled, choose a high-quality brand.

Why is my pasta salad dry?
Pasta absorbs dressing as it sits. Always save some extra dressing to add before serving.

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