Italian Tortellini Salad

Why Make This Recipe

Italian Tortellini Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. It’s light yet filling and is packed with fresh vegetables, cheese, and savory meats. This salad is great for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for busy days.

How to Make Italian Tortellini Salad

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 (16 ounce) bag cheese tortellini
• 1 1/2 cups halved grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 1/3 cup chopped red onion
• 8 ounces mozzarella balls
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini
• 8 ounces salami, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup Italian dressing
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Fresh ground black pepper (to taste)

Directions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, crushed garlic, granulated sugar, basil, parsley, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Alternatively, you can put these ingredients in a mason jar and shake to combine.
2. Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package directions. After cooking, drain the tortellini in a colander and rinse it with cold water to cool it down.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, grape tomatoes, diced bell pepper, chopped red onion, mozzarella balls, sliced pepperoncini, and chopped salami.
4. Add the fresh basil, parsley, and oregano to the bowl. Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
5. Season the salad with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Refrigerate the salad until ready to serve.

How to Serve Italian Tortellini Salad

Serve Italian Tortellini Salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes an excellent side dish for grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light main course. For added flavor, you can garnish it with extra fresh basil or parsley before serving.

How to Store Italian Tortellini Salad

To store leftover Italian Tortellini Salad, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to three days. Keep in mind that the tortellini may absorb some dressing over time, so you might want to add a little more dressing before serving leftovers.

Tips to Make Italian Tortellini Salad

• Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences. You can add olives, cucumbers, or other vegetables you like.
• Make sure to rinse the tortellini with cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them from sticking together.
• For a creamier version, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the dressing.

Variation

You can easily turn this salad into a vegetarian option by leaving out the salami and substituting it with additional vegetables or beans for protein.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Italian Tortellini Salad a day in advance. It actually tastes better when the flavors have had time to meld together.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
While cheese tortellini is traditional, you can use any small pasta shape like penne or fusilli for a different texture.

3. Is this salad gluten-free?
No, traditional tortellini is made with wheat. However, you can find gluten-free tortellini in many stores if you need a gluten-free option.