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.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Composition: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cooled tortellini, salami, mozzarella, and herbs, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
- Dressing: Drizzle vinaigrette or Italian dressing over the mixture, gently tossing to ensure even coating without damaging the pasta’s delicate structure.
- 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