This Easy Italian Tortellini Salad is a colorful mix of cheesy tortellini, fresh veggies, and zesty dressing. It’s like a little party in a bowl that’s perfect for any occasion!
You can whip it up in no time and enjoy it cold, making it great for picnics or casual dinners. Plus, I love how it tastes even better the next day—hello, leftovers! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is a must for a hearty salad. You can find it in the refrigerated or frozen section. If you prefer a different flavor, try spinach or mushroom tortellini for added variety.
Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper bring freshness. If you’re out of cucumbers, substitute with bell peppers or zucchini. I love adding diced avocados for creaminess.
Salami: This adds a nice salty flavor, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, try turkey or chicken breasts instead. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more veggies.
Olives: Black olives are classic, but green olives will work too. If olives aren’t your thing, consider artichoke hearts for a different taste.
Dressing: Red wine vinegar adds tanginess, but balsamic vinegar is a great alternative, giving a sweet flavor. If you prefer lighter dressing, swap some olive oil for lemon juice.
How Do You Make Sure Your Tortellini Salad is Flavorful?
The key to a delicious tortellini salad is letting it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes after adding the dressing. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Here’s how to make sure it’s packed with flavor:
- Make sure to cook the tortellini just until al dente so it retains a good texture.
- Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down!
- Toss the veggies with dressing several times to ensure everything is coated evenly.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving—don’t be shy with the salt and pepper!
Easy Italian Tortellini Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package (9-12 oz) cheese tortellini pasta
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced (seeded if preferred)
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup salami, diced
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved or diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Italian Tortellini Salad will take about 15-20 minutes to prep, plus at least 30 minutes in the fridge to allow all those delicious flavors to combine. So, in total, set aside about 50 minutes for the process—most of which is chilling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the tortellini and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set it aside to drain well.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, sliced black olives, diced salami, and halved fresh mozzarella. Gently mix everything together so it’s evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard (if you’re using it), honey or sugar (if you like a hint of sweetness), dried oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined and smooth.
4. Mix and Season:
Pour the dressing over the tortellini and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until the tortellini and veggies are evenly coated with the dressing. Taste the salad and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
5. Garnish and Refrigerate:
Garnish your salad with the freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let all the flavors meld beautifully together.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, your Easy Italian Tortellini Salad is ready to serve! It’s great served cold, perfect for lunches, picnics, or potlucks. Enjoy this delicious and refreshing dish with family and friends!
FAQ for Easy Italian Tortellini Salad
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works perfectly. Just cook it directly from frozen following the package instructions, then rinse under cold water to cool it before mixing with the other ingredients.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can customize this salad by adding other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or even artichoke hearts. Just make sure to keep the totals similar to keep the texture balanced!
How Long Will Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir and taste for seasoning before serving again—as flavors do deepen and change in the fridge!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This salad is ideal for make-ahead meals. You can prepare it a day in advance; just keep it covered in the fridge so it stays fresh! Just remember to add the fresh parsley right before serving for a burst of color.
