This Easy Italian Tortellini Salad is a fun and fresh dish! It pairs yummy cheese-filled tortellini with colorful veggies. The zesty dressing brings it all together for a tasty treat.
Trust me, making this salad is a breeze. Just cook the tortellini, toss in your favorite veggies, and drizzle on that dressing. Perfect for lunch or a picnic!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cheese Tortellini: This is the star of the salad! Using fresh or frozen cheese tortellini works great. You can substitute with mini bowtie pasta or shells if tortellini isn’t available.
Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes add a burst of flavor and color. If you can’t find them, try grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes.
Red Bell Pepper: Sweet and crunchy, red bell pepper is perfect here. Feel free to swap it with yellow or orange bell pepper for a similar sweetness, or use diced green pepper for a different crunch.
Salami: I love using salami for its robust flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey or chicken deli meats also work well, or you could leave it out for a vegetarian-friendly salad.
Italian Dressing: A store-bought dressing saves time, but you can easily make your own using olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs. A splash of lemon juice adds freshness too!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Tortellini?
Cooking tortellini sounds simple, but getting it just right can make a difference! Here’s how to ensure perfect results:
- Boil a pot of salted water—this helps flavor the pasta.
- Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes.
- Keep an eye out; once they float to the surface, they’re usually done! Taste one to check for doneness.
- Don’t forget to rinse the cooked tortellini under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps them from sticking together.
Easy Italian Tortellini Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (or diced mozzarella cheese)
- 1 cup salami, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/3 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and a minimum of 30 minutes chilling in the refrigerator. All in all, you can have this tasty dish ready to enjoy in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente (usually around 3 to 5 minutes). Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, sliced black olives, mozzarella balls, and chopped salami. Give everything a gentle stir to mix the ingredients well together.
3. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are coated evenly. Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
4. Garnish and Chill:
Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley on top for a bit of freshness and color. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This cooling time helps the flavors come together beautifully.
5. Serve:
When you’re ready to serve, take the salad out of the fridge. It can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Grab a serving spoon and dig in! Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Italian tortellini salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of tortellini or don’t have any on hand, you can substitute with other types of pasta like rotini, farfalle, or even penne. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead of time! You can prepare it a day in advance, just make sure to give it a good stir before serving. It tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may get a bit soggy due to the dressing, so you might want to add a bit more dressing before serving again.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Proteins?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding additional vegetables like bell peppers, red onion, or spinach. You can also add proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
