Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad

When it comes to pasta salads, there’s a fine line between simple and spectacular—and Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad crosses that line effortlessly. This delightful dish is a perfect blend of rich flavors, satisfying textures, and vibrant ingredients, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal, attending a potluck, or looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish for a summer BBQ, this pasta salad is a versatile and delicious option.

The combination of cheese tortellini, diced salami (or turkey pepperoni for a lighter option), mozzarella pearls, and fresh veggies creates a savory base that’s both filling and full of flavor. The tangy Italian dressing and aromatic herbs like basil and oregano tie everything together, infusing each bite with a burst of Mediterranean-inspired goodness. Best of all, this salad comes together quickly, with minimal effort required, making it an ideal go-to dish for busy days.

Ready to take your pasta salad game to the next level? Let’s dive into how to make this flavorful Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: With only a few ingredients and simple steps, this pasta salad is a breeze to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
2. Loaded with Flavor: The combination of savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and zesty Italian dressing creates an irresistible flavor profile.
3. Great for Meal Prep: This salad keeps well in the fridge for several days, making it perfect for meal prepping and having a ready-to-go lunch or side dish.
4. Customizable: Swap out ingredients like turkey pepperoni, add more veggies, or use a different dressing to make it your own.
5. Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, picnic, or party, this pasta salad is sure to impress guests of all ages.

Ingredients

• Cheese tortellini (cooked and cooled)
• Salami (diced, or turkey pepperoni as a substitute)
• Mozzarella pearls
• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Black olives (sliced)
• Red onion (finely chopped)
• Fresh basil (chopped)
• Italian dressing
• Dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the salami for marinated artichoke hearts or roasted vegetables for a veggie-packed version.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or sweet corn for added crunch and color.
• Make it Spicy: Add sliced pepperoncini or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Substitute Pasta: While cheese tortellini is the star of this recipe, feel free to swap it with regular pasta shapes like penne or fusilli if tortellini isn’t available.
• Dressing Alternatives: Use a balsamic vinaigrette or a creamy ranch dressing if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Prepare the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini with diced salami (or turkey pepperoni), mozzarella pearls, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, finely chopped red onion, and fresh chopped basil.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture. Add the dried oregano, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything gently until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and makes the salad even more refreshing. Once chilled, serve and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cool the Tortellini: Make sure the tortellini is completely cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients to avoid wilting the fresh vegetables.
• Use a High-Quality Dressing: Since the dressing is a key component, opt for a good-quality Italian dressing or make your own for a more personalized touch.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Salad: If you plan to make a larger batch, it’s better to make it in two smaller bowls to ensure everything is evenly coated.
• Taste and Adjust: After mixing the salad, taste and adjust the seasoning. You can add more dressing, salt, or pepper as needed.
• Make Ahead: This pasta salad is perfect for making ahead. Let it chill in the fridge for a few hours (or overnight) to enhance the flavors.

How to Serve

Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad is perfect served as a side dish at barbecues, potlucks, or picnics. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a light seafood dish. For a more filling meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad and crusty bread. It’s also a fantastic addition to lunchboxes or as a standalone dish for an easy dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best when fresh, but it will still taste great for a few days as the flavors continue to meld together.

Freezing

We don’t recommend freezing this pasta salad, as the texture of the pasta and fresh ingredients can change after being frozen and thawed.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this pasta salad without salami?

Yes! If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can easily substitute the salami with marinated artichoke hearts, chickpeas, or roasted vegetables.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Certainly! You can swap out tortellini for any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle.

3. How can I make this salad spicy?

Add sliced pepperoncini, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat and extra flavor.

4. Can I make my own Italian dressing?

Yes, you can make a homemade Italian dressing with olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and your choice of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.

5. How long should I let the salad chill?

For the best flavor, chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight will enhance the flavor even more.

6. Can I add more veggies to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables, such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or even fresh spinach or arugula.

7. Can I make this salad the night before?

Yes, this salad actually tastes better when it’s made ahead. It allows the flavors to meld together in the fridge overnight.

8. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! You can use regular mozzarella, feta cheese, or even provolone for a different flavor twist.

9. How can I make this salad dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, skip the mozzarella pearls and use dairy-free cheese alternatives or simply add extra vegetables for flavor and texture.

10. Is this pasta salad gluten-free?

The tortellini used in this recipe contains gluten, but you can make this salad gluten-free by using gluten-free tortellini or any gluten-free pasta of your choice.

Conclusion

Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. With its delicious combination of creamy mozzarella, savory salami, and tangy Italian dressing, this pasta salad is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a party, a picnic, or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite. Quick to prepare, versatile, and absolutely delicious, this is a pasta salad you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!

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