Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe Zesty Crowd-Pleaser

Twirling with vibrant salami-mozzarella tortellini pasta salad brings unexpected joy to summer dining.

Mediterranean flavors dance across each colorful bite.

Small pasta pockets burst with creamy cheese and savory meat sensations.

Crisp vegetables add refreshing crunch to this delightful dish.

Smart cooks know such simple ingredients can create magic on a plate.

Chilled and light, this recipe promises to become your new warm-weather favorite.

You’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving.

Why Tortellini Pasta Salad Is Always a Win

• This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal planning.
• Combining salami, mozzarella, and tortellini creates a delicious blend of Italian-inspired ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults.
• The cold pasta salad can be prepared ahead of time, making it an ideal option for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings where you want minimal day-of cooking.
• Easy to customize with additional vegetables or swap ingredients, this pasta salad works as a main course, side dish, or portable lunch option.

What Goes into Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Salad

• Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that forms the hearty base of the salad, choose refrigerated or fresh for best texture.
• Salami: Flavorful Italian cured meat that adds rich, savory depth to the pasta salad, opt for high-quality deli-sliced variety.
• Mozzarella: Soft, creamy cheese that provides a mild and milky complement to the salami, fresh mozzarella works best.

• Olive Oil: Helps bind the ingredients and adds smooth Mediterranean flavor, extra virgin recommended for best taste.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Brings a tangy brightness to balance the rich meats and cheese, choose a good quality aged variety.

• Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds a classic Italian herb note with bright, aromatic freshness, look for vibrant green leaves.
• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle heat and enhances the overall flavor profile of the salad, freshly ground is preferable.

How to Toss This Cold Pasta Salad in Minutes

Step 1: Boil Tortellini

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add tortellini and cook according to the package directions until they float to the surface and become tender. Carefully drain the pasta in a colander, then immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool down the tortellini.

Step 2: Prepare Flavor-Packed Ingredients

• Cooked tortellini
• Diced salami
• Cubed mozzarella cheese
• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves
• Kalamata olives
• Red onion

Step 3: Chop and Combine

Dice the salami into small bite-sized pieces. Cut mozzarella into cubes. Slice cherry tomatoes in half. Finely chop red onion and tear fresh basil leaves. Roughly chop kalamata olives.

Step 4: Create Zesty Dressing

• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Assemble Pasta Salad

In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooled tortellini with salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, olives, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the mixture and stir to coat evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld together.

Pro Tips for Flavorful, Balanced Pasta Salads

• Prevent Soggy Pasta: Rinse tortellini immediately with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Let the pasta cool completely before mixing with other ingredients to help it absorb the dressing and salami's savory notes.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap salami with grilled chicken, turkey, or vegetarian alternatives like roasted tofu for dietary preferences.
• Boost Freshness Factor: Add crisp vegetables like diced bell peppers or cucumber to introduce extra crunch and nutritional value.
• Maximize Make-Ahead Potential: Prepare the salad a day in advance, storing dressing separately to keep ingredients fresh and prevent sogginess.

Storing Pasta Salad and Keeping It Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cold temperature helps preserve the pasta and prevent bacterial growth.
• Keep any remaining salad dressing in a separate sealed container to maintain the salad's crisp texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Warm the pasta salad briefly in the microwave at 50% power for 30-45 seconds, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• Before serving leftovers, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil to revive the flavors and restore the salad's original appeal.

Great Add-Ins for This Tortellini Combo

• Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the salami's rich flavor and cut through the creamy mozzarella.
• Choose a light-bodied red like Chianti or Barbera that enhances the cured meat's spicy and salty characteristics without overpowering the dish.
• Add a fresh side of bruschetta or garlic crostini to provide a crunchy contrast to the soft tortellini and create a delightful textural experience.
• Serve with a zesty green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to brighten the overall taste and add a refreshing element to the hearty pasta salad.

Creative Twists on Pasta Salad Favorites

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace salami with roasted bell peppers, grilled zucchini, and marinated artichoke hearts for a plant-based version packed with colorful vegetables and protein.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional wheat tortellini with gluten-free cheese or spinach tortellini made from rice or corn flour to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute tortellini with cauliflower gnocchi or roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining a similar texture and flavor profile.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Remix: Include kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes to transform the pasta salad into a Mediterranean-style dish with bright, tangy flavors.

Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Salami-mozzarella tortellini pasta salad brings Italian flavors dancing across your plate with bold Mediterranean charm. Cool summer ingredients mingle deliciously, promising refreshing bites that satisfy hunger and delight senses.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) cheese-filled tortellini, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup (150 grams) salami, sliced into strips or small cubes
• 1 cup (150 grams) mozzarella pearls (or diced fresh mozzarella)
• ¼ cup (30 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Herbs:

• ½ cup (75 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup (75 grams) black or green olives, sliced
• ¼ cup (30 grams) red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup (30 grams) fresh basil leaves, torn

Dressing:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook tortellini until they float to the surface and achieve a tender, al dente texture.
2. Immediately drain the pasta in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to halt the cooking process and prevent sticking.
3. Allow tortellini to cool completely, shaking off excess moisture to ensure a light, non-soggy consistency.
4. Slice salami into thin, bite-sized strips that will distribute evenly throughout the pasta salad.
5. Dice fresh mozzarella into small, uniform cubes to provide creamy pockets of flavor in each bite.
6. Chop fresh herbs like basil and parsley to add a vibrant, aromatic element to the dish.
7. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the cooled tortellini, salami strips, mozzarella cubes, and chopped herbs.
8. Drizzle a zesty vinaigrette or light Italian dressing over the mixture, ensuring all ingredients are lightly coated.
9. Toss the pasta salad delicately to preserve the integrity of the tortellini and distribute seasonings evenly.
10. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop a refreshing temperature.
11. Before serving, give the salad a quick, gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed with salt, pepper, or additional herbs.

Notes

• Opt for pre-cooked tortellini to save time and simplify meal preparation.
• Quickly shock the pasta in ice water after cooking to halt the cooking process and maintain a firm texture.
• Swap salami for turkey or plant-based salami to create a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version of the dish.
• Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg