Description
Summer’s zesty Tortellini Pasta Salad brings Mediterranean charm to picnic tables with tangy herbs and colorful vegetables. Fresh cheese-filled pasta mingles with crisp ingredients, creating a light and refreshing meal perfect for warm gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 20 ounces (566 grams) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) pitted kalamata olives, chopped
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) fresh mozzarella balls
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) baby spinach or arugula
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1 pint (473 milliliters) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chopped fresh basil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Protein and Cheese:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chopped salami or pepperoni
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare tortellini by immersing in generously salted boiling water, cooking until tender yet firm. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to halt cooking process, then transfer to a spacious mixing vessel.
- Craft a vibrant vinaigrette by combining olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, crushed garlic, dried oregano, salt, and cracked pepper in a sealed container. Vigorously shake until ingredients form a smooth, homogeneous emulsion.
- Drizzle half the dressing over warm tortellini, gently folding to ensure even coating. Allow mixture to cool and absorb flavors for approximately 10 minutes.
- Integrate colorful ingredients: halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, briny olives, cubed mozzarella, chopped salami, grated Parmesan, fresh spinach leaves, and torn basil. Carefully fold additional dressing throughout the salad.
- Seal the salad and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, allowing ingredients to marinate and develop complex flavor profiles. Prior to serving, redistribute ingredients and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed.
- Present the chilled pasta salad with optional garnishes of fresh basil and additional Parmesan. Serve immediately, offering a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for warm days.
Notes
- Customize the tortellini choice by using cheese, meat, or spinach-filled varieties to match dietary preferences or flavor profiles.
- Swap salami or pepperoni with grilled chicken, tofu, or plant-based protein alternatives for lighter or vegetarian options.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time and store separately to maintain crispness and prevent soggy salad texture.
- Allow salad to marinate longer for deeper flavor integration, but add fresh herbs just before serving to preserve brightness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg