Name: Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz tortellini (fresh or frozen); 6 oz salami, diced; 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup olives, sliced (optional); 1/2 cup Italian dressing; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

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There is something incredibly satisfying about a dish that combines vibrant colors, delightful textures, and bold flavors all in one bowl. The Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad does exactly that, offering a perfect blend of savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and tender tortellini tossed with fresh veggies and a zesty Italian dressing. This salad is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a crowd-pleaser at picnics, potlucks, or simple family dinners. Whether you’re craving something light yet hearty or want to add a dazzling dish to your meal lineup, this salad checks all the boxes and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to making the Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad truly shine. Each component plays a role in balancing flavors and textures, creating a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

12 oz tortellini: Fresh or frozen tortellini works great; they add a soft, pillowy bite that’s essential to this salad’s heartiness.
6 oz salami, diced: Adds a savory, slightly spicy kick that brings bold flavor contrast.
8 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed: Creamy and mild, mozzarella cools down the salty punch of salami perfectly.
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy bursts of sweetness give this salad a fresh, summery feel.
1 cup cucumber, diced: Crisp and refreshing, cucumber adds a great crunch to every forkful.
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced: Brightens the salad with a sweet, slightly fruity note and vibrant color.
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Offers a mild sharpness that cuts through the richness.
1/4 cup olives, sliced (optional): Provides a briny depth that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
1/2 cup Italian dressing: Zesty and herbaceous, this ties all the flavors together with a tangy embrace.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering the salad.
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional): Adds an aromatic finish and a pop of green that’s simply irresistible.

How to Make Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your tortellini, cooking according to the package instructions—usually 5 to 7 minutes for fresh or 8 to 10 minutes for frozen tortellini. Once cooked, drain and immediately rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process, prevents sticking, and keeps the pasta cool for your salad.

Step 2: Combine Salami and Veggies

While the tortellini cools, toss together the diced salami, mozzarella cubes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion in a large mixing bowl. If you enjoy olives, now is the perfect time to add them in for an extra layer of flavor that beautifully enhances the salad’s complexity.

Step 3: Mix in the Tortellini

Add the cooled tortellini to the colorful mixture of salami and vegetables. This step brings everything together, ensuring that each bite is a perfect marriage of pasta softness with zesty, fresh textures.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Drizzle your salad with the Italian dressing and gently toss to coat every piece evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be gentle here to avoid breaking up the tortellini or squashing the veggies. The dressing works as the magic glue that binds all the flavors harmoniously.

Step 5: Chill and Marinate

Pop the salad into the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes. This chilling period allows the flavors to marry and intensify, making every forkful more exciting than the last.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, garnish your Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad with fresh basil leaves for that aromatic, fresh finish. Serve it cold for the most refreshing and flavorful experience.

How to Serve Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Fresh basil is the go-to garnish, but you can also experiment with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or even a few shavings of Parmesan cheese. These little touches elevate the salad, making it look as delightful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or sausages, a crusty loaf of bread, or even alongside a light green salad. The versatility of the Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad makes it a fantastic companion to just about any main course.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or colorful bowls for a vibrant presentation. For potlucks, layering the salad in clear glass bowls lets the stunning layers show through—making it as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the tummy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop, though the salad is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture.

Freezing

Freezing this salad is not recommended because the fresh vegetables and cheese may lose their texture and the dressing can become watery once thawed. For best results, prepare the salad fresh or store leftovers briefly in the fridge.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warmed, take only the amount you plan to eat and let it sit out for 10-15 minutes—avoid microwaving as it changes the texture of tortellini and cheese.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese in the Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic, you can try provolone or even cubed cheddar for a twist. Just pick a cheese that melts well or holds its shape for best results.

Is it necessary to use Italian dressing, or can I make my own?

You can definitely make your own dressing with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and herbs if you prefer homemade. The key is a zesty, herb-rich dressing to complement the salad’s flavors.

Can this salad be made vegan or vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and perhaps add chickpeas or artichoke hearts. For vegan options, replace cheese with plant-based alternatives and choose a dairy-free dressing.

What is the best tortellini to use?

Fresh cheese-filled tortellini offer the best texture and taste, but frozen works great too. Just be sure to cook according to instructions and cool thoroughly.

How far in advance can I prepare the Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad?

You can prepare the salad a few hours ahead and refrigerate it to let the flavors meld. Just add fresh basil garnish right before serving for the best aroma and look.

Final Thoughts

Making the Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad is like inviting joy to your dining table—its perfect balance of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. Whether for a quick lunch, a picnic with friends, or a festive gathering, this salad brings a burst of deliciousness that’s sure to brighten any occasion. Give it a try soon, and watch it become one of your favorite go-to recipes!

Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 30 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A delicious and refreshing Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad combining savory salami, creamy mozzarella, fresh vegetables, and a zesty Italian dressing, perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish.

Instructions

Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, typically about 5-7 minutes for fresh tortellini or 8-10 minutes for frozen. Once cooked, drain the tortellini in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced salami, cubed mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion. If using olives, add them to the bowl as well.
Add Tortellini: Add the cooled tortellini to the mixing bowl with the vegetables and salami.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Chill: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together before serving.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve cold.