Description
This Fresh Tortellini Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish combining cheesy tortellini, fresh vegetables, savory salami, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for a refreshing lunch or a light dinner, it offers a delightful balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors with a satisfying mix of textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach or arugula
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Meat
- 1/2 cup chopped salami or pepperoni
Dressing
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparation. Gather all ingredients and prepare the vegetables and herbs by halving the cherry tomatoes, peeling and chopping the cucumber, and thinly slicing the red onion. Chop the olives, salami or pepperoni, and fresh basil for even distribution in the salad.
- Cook the Tortellini. Boil the refrigerated cheese tortellini following the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and allow to cool completely to avoid wilting the fresh ingredients when combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients. In a large bowl, add the cooled tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, sliced red onion, chopped kalamata olives, mozzarella balls, chopped salami or pepperoni, grated Parmesan cheese, baby spinach or arugula, and fresh basil. Stir gently to mix all components evenly without crushing the ingredients.
- Prepare the Dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and emulsified for balanced flavor.
- Toss the Salad. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss carefully to ensure every ingredient is coated well, allowing the flavors to meld and penetrate all components.
- Optional Garnish. Top the salad with additional grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of nutty richness before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the tortellini is cooled fully before mixing to keep the salad fresh and prevent wilting.
- Adjust the amount of honey and vinegar in the dressing to taste for desired sweetness and tanginess.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami or pepperoni.
- This salad can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours for flavors to deepen; toss before serving.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor impact.
