Looking for a delicious and easy pasta salad recipe for your next gathering or meal prep? Look no further! This tortellini pasta salad is packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of cheese tortellini, salami, fresh vegetables, and tangy dressing creates a burst of flavors in every bite.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: This pasta salad holds up well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prepping lunches or dinners for the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Frozen cheese tortellini: Adds a cheesy and filling element to the salad.
- Chopped salami: Provides a savory and salty flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes: Add a pop of color and freshness.
- Cucumber: Adds a crunchy texture.
- Black olives: Bring a briny flavor to the salad.
- Mozzarella cheese pearls: Add a creamy and mild flavor.
- Red onion: Adds a sharp and tangy flavor.
- Red and green peppers: Bring a sweet and slightly spicy kick.
- Fresh basil leaves: Add a fragrant and herby note.
- Parmesan cheese: Provides a nutty and salty flavor.
- Zesty Italian salad dressing: Adds a tangy and herbaceous dressing.
- Pesto sauce: Adds a rich and herby flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions, then rinse with cold water and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, salami, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, mozzarella, red onion, peppers, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the parmesan cheese, Italian dressing, and pesto sauce, then toss to combine.
- Chill the salad in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and add more veggies like roasted bell peppers or artichoke hearts.
- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables or protein options.
- To make this salad ahead of time, prepare all the ingredients and dress the salad just before serving for the best flavor.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use good quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Let the salad chill for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this tortellini pasta salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. Pair it with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow the salad to come to room temperature or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh tortellini, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance and dress it just before serving.
- Can I use a different dressing for this salad? Feel free to use your favorite vinaigrette or creamy dressing in place of the Italian dressing.
Conclusion:
This tortellini pasta salad is a flavorful and versatile dish that is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Give it a try and let us know how you liked it! Enjoy!
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Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tortellini Pasta Salad is a flavorful and colorful dish perfect for any gathering. Filled with cheese tortellini, salami, cherry tomatoes, and other fresh ingredients, it’s tossed in a zesty Italian dressing and pesto sauce for a delicious twist.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 24 ounces (1½ – 16-ounce) packages frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 cup chopped salami
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cucumber, sliced and quartered
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese pearls or diced fresh mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup diced red pepper
- ¼ cup diced green pepper
- ½ cup fresh sweet basil leaves, chopped
Additional Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup zesty Italian salad dressing
- 2 tablespoons pesto sauce
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, salami, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, mozzarella, red onion, red pepper, green pepper, and basil.
- Add Dressing: Sprinkle with salt, pepper, parmesan cheese, Italian dressing, and pesto sauce. Toss gently to coat.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- You can customize the ingredients by adding or substituting with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
