Description: This vibrant and flavorful Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad is a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, barbecues, or a simple weeknight meal. Packed with cheesy tortellini, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a zesty Italian vinaigrette, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This salad is a delightful explosion of textures and tastes, offering a delightful balance of richness, tanginess, and freshness.
Ingredients:
- 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 1 cup salami (diced or cut into strips) – Choose your favorite variety, such as Genoa, Hard Salami, or even spicy Calabrese for a kick!
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine, halved) – These small mozzarella balls offer the perfect bite-sized creaminess.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved) – Look for ripe, firm cherry tomatoes for the best flavor.
- 1/2 cup black or Kalamata olives (sliced) – Kalamata olives offer a richer, more intense flavor than standard black olives.
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced) – Soaking the red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad can mellow its sharpness.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped) – Fresh basil is essential for its aromatic and slightly peppery flavor. Mint also works well!
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) – Adds a salty and savory note. Freshly grated is always best!
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavor.
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar – Adds a tangy acidity to balance the richness of the other ingredients.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard – Emulsifies the dressing and adds a subtle kick.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A blend of dried herbs that adds depth of flavor.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Adds a savory garlic note.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Season generously to enhance all the flavors.
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes for fresh or refrigerated tortellini. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become mushy. The tortellini should be cooked al dente, meaning slightly firm to the bite. This will ensure they hold their shape well in the salad.
Step 2: Drain and Rinse the Tortellini: Once the tortellini are cooked, immediately drain them in a colander. Rinse them thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. This step is crucial for maintaining the texture of the tortellini in the salad.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a pinch of sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter dressing.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, salami, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, and fresh basil. Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Add the Dressing and Chill: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can cause the tortellini to break apart. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer (1-2 hours), to allow the flavors to meld together. Chilling the salad also helps the flavors develop and intensifies the overall taste.
Step 6: Serve: Just before serving, give the salad a gentle toss. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh basil for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile and customizable. It’s a complete meal in itself, offering a perfect balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. The bright, fresh flavors make it a delightful dish for any occasion, and it’s especially popular during warmer months. What’s even better is its simplicity – it’s quick and easy to make, requiring minimal cooking and preparation time. The combination of textures, from the soft tortellini to the creamy mozzarella and the crunchy vegetables, creates a satisfying eating experience. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover salami or vegetables you have on hand. This salad is also a great option for meal prepping as it can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course for a light lunch or dinner.
- Bring it to a picnic or potluck – it travels well and is always a hit.
- Serve as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
- Pair it with a crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine for a complete meal.
- Add grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Consider serving it as an appetizer in small bowls or on skewers.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the tortellini, as they will become mushy.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can substitute white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the salami and add more vegetables or marinated artichoke hearts.
- To prevent the salad from drying out, add a little extra olive oil before serving if needed.
- For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- If you are making this salad ahead of time, consider adding the dressing just before serving to prevent the tortellini from becoming soggy.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes (+ 30 minutes chilling time)
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion:
The Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad is a delightful and versatile dish that is sure to impress. Its simple preparation, vibrant flavors, and adaptable nature make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, or a refreshing summer salad, this recipe is a winner. So, gather your ingredients, get creative, and enjoy the deliciousness of this Italian-inspired pasta salad!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use dried tortellini instead of fresh or refrigerated?
A: Yes, you can use dried tortellini, but be aware that the cooking time will be longer. Follow the package instructions for cooking dried tortellini, and be sure to drain and rinse them well after cooking. The texture of dried tortellini may be slightly different from fresh or refrigerated, but it will still work well in the salad.
Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, this salad tastes even better when made ahead of time, as it allows the flavors to meld together. You can prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to prevent the tortellini from becoming soggy.
Q3: Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
A: Yes, feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables. Some great additions include bell peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, and sun-dried tomatoes. You can also add marinated artichoke hearts or roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
Q4: What can I substitute for salami?
A: If you don’t have salami, you can substitute it with other cured meats like pepperoni, prosciutto, or ham. For a vegetarian option, you can omit the salami altogether or add grilled tofu or tempeh for a protein boost.
Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, while mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) are traditionally used in this salad, you can substitute them with other cheeses like provolone, feta, or even cheddar. Choose a cheese that you enjoy and that complements the other flavors in the salad.
