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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Dice salami into bite-sized cubes, creating small, flavorful morsels that will distribute evenly throughout the salad.
- Cut mozzarella into similar-sized pieces as the salami, maintaining a consistent texture and ensuring each forkful has a balanced mix of ingredients.
- Slice cherry tomatoes in half, revealing their vibrant interior and allowing them to better absorb the dressing’s zesty flavors.
- Chop cucumber into uniform chunks, adding a crisp and refreshing element to the pasta salad.
- 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.
- Transfer all prepared ingredients into a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring ample room for gentle tossing without spilling.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture, using a gentle folding motion to coat each ingredient completely without breaking the delicate tortellini.
- 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