Tangy Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

Crisp summer days call for a vibrant salami-mozzarella tortellini pasta salad that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.

Fresh ingredients dance together in this delightful dish that promises a quick and satisfying meal.

Colorful vegetables mingle with savory salami and tender pasta, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Packed with protein and zesty herbs, this pasta salad brings excitement to any lunch or dinner table.

The combination of salami and mozzarella adds a rich, indulgent touch to every forkful.

Each bite delivers a delicious blend of cool and hearty ingredients that will surprise your palate.

Prepare to savor a meal that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

What Makes Tortellini Salad So Satisfying

• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and fresh vegetables, this dish appeals to various taste preferences and works wonderfully for potlucks, picnics, or casual gatherings.
• Chill and Serve Convenience: Prepare ahead of time and let the flavors blend in the refrigerator, creating a hassle-free option for meal planning or spontaneous entertaining that saves precious time in the kitchen.
• Customizable Delight: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adding personal favorite herbs and vegetables, making it a flexible and exciting dish for creative home cooks.

What You’ll Need for Salami Tortellini Pasta

• Tortellini: Soft, cheesy pasta pockets perfect for a cool salad.

• Salami, Mozzarella: Savory Italian meat and creamy cheese that add rich flavor.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber: Crisp and juicy garden vegetables for a fresh crunch.

• Olive Oil, Vinegar, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Zesty blend that brings all the flavors together.

How to Make This Flavorful Pasta Salad

Step 1: Boil Perfect Tortellini

Cook tortellini in a large pot of salted water following package instructions.

Drain the pasta and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool completely.

The quick cooling prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and helps it maintain a nice texture for the salad.

Step 2: Chop And Prepare Mix-Ins

• Salami (diced into small cubes)
• Fresh mozzarella (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
• Cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
• Cucumber (diced into small chunks)

Toss all these ingredients into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a colorful and appetizing base for your pasta salad.

Step 3: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Dressing

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Italian seasoning blend
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Kosher salt

Blend these ingredients until they form a smooth, well-incorporated mixture that will enhance every bite of the salad.

Step 4: Merge Flavors Together

Pour the freshly prepared dressing over the tortellini and mix-ins.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient gets beautifully coated with the zesty dressing.

Use a large spoon or salad tongs to distribute the flavors evenly.

Step 5: Chill And Enhance

Cover the salad with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator.

Let it rest for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify.

This resting period helps the ingredients absorb the dressing, creating a more delicious and cohesive dish.

Tips for a Fresh and Zesty Salad

• Avoid overcooking by following package instructions precisely and taste-testing a minute before recommended time to ensure al dente texture.
• Allow the pasta salad to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, letting the dressing infuse each ingredient with delicious Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
• Swap salami with grilled chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein for a lighter or vegetarian version that maintains the dish's delightful character.
• Adjust olive oil and vinegar ratio to create a perfectly smooth dressing that coats ingredients without becoming too wet or dry.
• Add fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley just before serving to boost brightness and prevent herbs from wilting in the refrigerated salad.

How to Keep Tortellini Salad Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain its fresh taste and prevent bacterial growth.
• Skip freezing this pasta salad, as the delicate texture of tortellini and fresh mozzarella will become mushy and lose their original quality.
• Gently stir the salad before serving to redistribute the dressing. Add a small splash of olive oil if the pasta seems dry.
• If the salad feels too cold straight from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften and enhance the flavors.

Great Pairings for This Pasta Salad

• Elevate Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad Pairings
• Complement Wine Selection: Choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or light Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the salami's richness while enhancing the mozzarella's creamy texture.
• Match Bread Companion: Serve with crusty ciabatta or rustic sourdough to provide a perfect crunchy contrast against the soft tortellini and provide additional texture to the meal.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add peppery brightness that balances the salami's saltiness and creates a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Boost Protein Pairing: Add grilled chicken or prosciutto-wrapped asparagus spears to increase protein content and provide a complementary protein element that enhances the overall dining experience.

Fun Twists for Your Tortellini Salad Bowl

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace salami with grilled zucchini or eggplant cubes for a meat-free version that maintains the rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini or chickpea pasta to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute tortellini with cauliflower gnocchi or spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the salad's essence.
• Mediterranean Remix: Add kalamata olives, fresh basil leaves, and swap vinegar with lemon juice for a Greek-inspired variation that enhances the Mediterranean flavors.

FAQs

• Is this pasta salad good for meal prep?

Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, which makes it convenient for busy weekdays or quick lunches.

• Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?

Absolutely! You can substitute tortellini with other filled pasta like ravioli or use regular pasta shapes like penne or rotini if you prefer. Just ensure the pasta is cooled before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

No, this recipe is not vegetarian due to the salami. However, you can easily make it vegetarian by replacing salami with vegetarian protein options like marinated tofu or plant-based salami alternatives.

• How spicy or mild is this pasta salad?

The pasta salad is quite mild and balanced. The Italian seasoning provides subtle herbs and flavor without being spicy. If you want more kick, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired salami-mozzarella tortellini pasta salad delivers zesty flavors perfect for summer gatherings. Crisp ingredients and tangy dressing create a delightful blend you’ll crave at picnics and potlucks.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) package tortellini pasta
• 1 cup salami, diced
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or pearl-sized
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced

Seasoning and Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Finishing Ingredients:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare tortellini according to package guidelines, ensuring they are cooked to al dente perfection. Drain and spread on a cool surface to bring the pasta to room temperature.
2. Dice salami into bite-sized cubes, creating small, flavorful morsels that will distribute evenly throughout the salad.
3. Cut mozzarella into similar-sized pieces as the salami, maintaining a consistent texture and ensuring each forkful has a balanced mix of ingredients.
4. Slice cherry tomatoes in half, revealing their vibrant interior and allowing them to better absorb the dressing’s zesty flavors.
5. Chop cucumber into uniform chunks, adding a crisp and refreshing element to the pasta salad.
6. Create a robust dressing by whisking olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a separate container until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
7. Transfer all prepared ingredients into a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring ample room for gentle tossing without spilling.
8. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture, using a gentle folding motion to coat each ingredient completely without breaking the delicate tortellini.
9. Seal the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap, then place in the refrigerator to chill for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and intensify.

Notes

• Ensure tortellini is cooked al dente to maintain a perfect chewy texture without becoming mushy.
• Chill ingredients before mixing to keep the salad crisp and prevent soggy pasta.
• Swap salami with plant-based alternatives like smoked tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains robust flavor profile.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley as optional garnish to elevate the dish’s freshness and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 40mg