Quick Tangy Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

Summer gatherings call for a delectable tangy salami-mozzarella tortellini pasta salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and colorful ingredients.

This crowd-pleasing dish combines hearty tortellini with zesty salami and creamy mozzarella for a mouthwatering experience.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Crisp vegetables and a light, herbed dressing elevate this pasta salad from ordinary to extraordinary.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.

Fresh herbs and a splash of olive oil add brightness and depth to every forkful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Tortellini: Cheese-stuffed Italian pasta that forms the hearty foundation of this vibrant salad, offering rich flavor and satisfying texture.

• Salami: Zesty Italian cured meat that adds robust, spicy notes and a delightful protein punch to the salad.
• Mozzarella: Creamy, soft cheese that melts beautifully and provides a smooth, milky contrast to the salami's intensity.

• Red Onion: Sharp, crisp vegetable that delivers a pungent bite and bright color to the dish.
• Fresh Basil: Aromatic herb that introduces a classic Italian freshness and green vibrancy.
• Olive Oil: Silky, fruity liquid that helps bind ingredients and adds a luxurious Mediterranean touch.
• White Wine Vinegar: Tangy condiment that brightens the overall flavor profile and balances the richness.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that amplifies and harmonizes all other ingredient flavors.
• Black Pepper: Warm, spicy ground seasoning that adds subtle heat and depth.

Tools for Tossing a Flavorful Pasta Salad

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling tortellini perfectly.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta and rinse with cold water.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining all salad ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Required for slicing salami and chopping herbs.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Cups: Helps measure ingredients accurately.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for mixing pasta salad gently.

Instructions for Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Boil Pasta

Cook tortellini in a large pot of salted water following package directions until perfectly al dente. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool down the pasta quickly.

• Slice and Chop Ingredients

Chop salami into thin, bite-sized pieces. Dice fresh mozzarella into small cubes. Finely chop fresh basil leaves and slice cherry tomatoes in half.

• Create Dressing

Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until well combined and slightly emulsified.

• Combine and Toss

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine cooled tortellini, salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Pour dressing over the mixture and toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.

• Chill and Serve

Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld together. Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and garnish with extra fresh basil if desired. Enjoy chilled as a refreshing meal perfect for summer gatherings.

Salad Tips for Bold Taste and Texture

• Toss hot tortellini with a splash of olive oil after draining to prevent sticking and keep each piece beautifully separated.
• Prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flavors to meld and intensify in the refrigerator for even more delicious results.
• Swap traditional salami for turkey salami to reduce fat content, or use plant-based salami for a vegetarian version that maintains the same zesty flavor profile.
• Replace regular tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising taste or texture.
• Toss in extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes to increase nutritional value and add more vibrant colors and textures to the pasta salad.

Serving Your Pasta Salad Cold or Room Temp

• Flavor Fusion Platter: Arrange the pasta salad on a large wooden board with complementary Italian-style cured meats, olives, and fresh basil leaves for a stunning presentation that highlights the dish's Mediterranean roots.
• Chilled Party Starter: Serve this tortellini salad as a refreshing appetizer at summer gatherings, keeping it cool in a decorative serving bowl nestled in a larger bowl filled with ice to maintain its crisp temperature.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the salami and mozzarella flavors with a crisp, light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a chilled rosé, creating a perfect balance of flavors for a sophisticated dining experience.
• Picnic Perfect Option: Pack this pasta salad in portable containers for outdoor meals, making it an ideal choice for beach trips, park lunches, or backyard barbecues where easy, delicious food is key.

How to Store Tortellini Salad for Meal Prep

• Store the pasta salad in an airtight container and keep it chilled for maximum freshness, typically lasting 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Add fresh herbs or a splash of olive oil just before serving to revive the salad's vibrant taste and prevent dryness.
• Keep wet and dry ingredients separate until serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy tortellini.
• Never leave the salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent potential bacterial growth and ensure food safety.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of salami for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute with other cured meats like pepperoni, prosciutto, or chorizo to add a similar savory flavor to the pasta salad.

• Is this pasta salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or light dinners.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the salami with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant, and use a plant-based mozzarella to create a delicious vegetarian version of the pasta salad.

• What herbs work best in this recipe?

Fresh basil and parsley are excellent choices that complement the salami and mozzarella, adding a bright, fresh flavor to the pasta salad.

Tangy Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad brings together zesty Italian ingredients for a refreshing meal. Cheese-filled tortellini, spicy salami, and crisp vegetables create a perfect summer dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (150 g) salami, sliced into strips or small cubes
• 1 cup (150 g) mozzarella pearls (or diced fresh mozzarella)
• 12 oz (340 g) cheese-filled tortellini, cooked and cooled
• ¼ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (75 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup (75 g) black or green olives, sliced
• ¼ cup (30 g) red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup (30 g) fresh basil leaves, torn
• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 2 tbsps red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil tortellini in heavily salted water until they float and reach perfect al dente consistency, then immediately transfer to a colander and rinse with cold water to halt cooking and prevent clumping.
2. Ingredient Preparation: Slice salami into delicate strips, cube mozzarella into precise pieces, and finely chop fresh basil and parsley to create a vibrant flavor profile.
3. Composition: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cooled tortellini, salami, mozzarella, and herbs, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
4. Dressing: Drizzle vinaigrette or Italian dressing over the mixture, gently tossing to ensure even coating without damaging the pasta’s delicate structure.
5. Chilling and Serving: Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow flavors to intensify, then briefly stir before serving and adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, or additional herbs to taste.

Notes

Control Pasta Cooking: Boil tortellini just until they float, watching carefully to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect al dente texture.

Prevent Clumping: Rinse pasta immediately with cold water and shake off excess moisture to stop cooking and prevent sticky, dense tortellini.

Maximize Flavor Infusion: Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to allow herbs, salami, and dressing to blend, creating a more complex and harmonious taste profile.

Customize Dietary Needs: Easily adapt the recipe by using vegetarian salami alternatives, gluten-free tortellini, or dairy-free mozzarella for different dietary restrictions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg