Zesty Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe: Bright Summer Joy

Summers call for quick and delightful tortellini pasta salad that brings fresh excitement to any meal.

Mediterranean flavors dance through colorful ingredients, creating a vibrant dish perfect for picnics.

Chewy cheese-filled pasta becomes the star of this refreshing ensemble.

Crisp vegetables and zesty herbs complement the tender tortellini, making each bite a delightful experience.

Light and satisfying, this salad feels like a cool breeze on a warm day.

Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, you’ll want to make this recipe again and again.

Grab your fork and get ready to enjoy a simple yet spectacular summer classic.

Tortellini Pasta Salad That Steals The Spotlight

• Quick Prep Magic: Whip up this delightful tortellini pasta salad in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Packed with salami, mozzarella, and vibrant vegetables, this dish offers a stunning mix of textures and tastes that will wow everyone at the table.
• Meal Prep Champion: Easily prepare ahead of time and store in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and intensify, creating an even more delicious meal later.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Works wonderfully as a main course, side dish, or potluck contribution, adapting seamlessly to any dining occasion from casual lunches to summer barbecues.

Essentials for Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Tortellini: Chewy pasta filled with cheese or meat, perfect for a hearty salad base. Choose refrigerated or dried tortellini based on preference.

• Salami, Mozzarella: Adds rich, savory flavor and protein to the salad. Select high-quality, fresh mozzarella and traditional Italian-style salami.

• Grape Tomatoes, Bell Pepper, Red Onion, Pepperoncini: Provide crisp texture and bright, tangy flavors. Choose ripe, colorful vegetables for maximum taste.
• Parsley, Basil: Fresh herbs that bring aromatic and vibrant notes to the dish. Use fresh herbs for the best flavor and appearance.

• Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Dijon Mustard, Honey, Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Creates a balanced, zesty dressing that ties all ingredients together. Use extra virgin olive oil and fresh garlic for best results.

Tortellini Pasta Salad Mixing Directions

Step 1: Boil Tortellini to Perfection

Cook tortellini in salted boiling water following package instructions.

Drain completely and place in the refrigerator to chill quickly.

Step 2: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until well blended.

Step 3: Chop and Prepare Fresh Ingredients

• Juicy grape tomatoes
• Creamy mozzarella
• Spicy salami
• Crisp bell pepper
• Tangy pepperoncini
• Sharp red onion
• Fresh parsley
• Fragrant basil

Toss all chopped ingredients into the prepared dressing.

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Remove chilled tortellini from refrigerator and add to the dressed vegetable mixture.

Gently fold everything together, ensuring each pasta pocket gets coated with the flavorful dressing.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to mingle and develop.

Serve cold as a refreshing main dish or side.

Tortellini Salad Tips For Freshness

• Refrigerate tortellini for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption and allow ingredients to meld together perfectly.
• Whisk dressing ingredients vigorously to create a smooth, well-emulsified coating that evenly distributes flavor across every ingredient.
• Swap salami with grilled chicken, plant-based alternatives, or skip meat entirely for a vegetarian-friendly version of the pasta salad.
• Use freshly chopped parsley and basil for maximum flavor and vibrant color, which significantly elevates the overall taste profile.
• Make the salad a day in advance to allow flavors to develop and intensify, creating a more delicious and complex dish.

Tortellini Pasta Salad That Stores Wonderfully

• Store leftover tortellini pasta salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Gently mix the salad before enjoying again, as dressing may settle at the bottom during storage.
• Skip freezing this salad, as tortellini and fresh vegetables will lose texture and become mushy when thawed.
• If salad seems dry after refrigeration, drizzle a little extra olive oil and red wine vinegar to revive flavors and moisture.

Fresh Matches For Tortellini Salad

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Crisp pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc cuts through the richness of salami and mozzarella, offering a refreshing contrast to the tangy dressing.
• Complement Cheese Selection: Serve with aged parmesan or pecorino romano on the side, enhancing the salad's Italian-inspired flavors and adding a sharp, salty dimension.
• Match Bread Companion: Crusty ciabatta or focaccia slices perfectly soak up the zesty dressing, providing a delightful textural element and additional carbohydrate balance.
• Suggest Charcuterie Addition: Include small prosciutto rolls or salami chips as a side garnish, amplifying the existing meat profile and creating a more robust appetizer experience.

Tortellini Salad Additions

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace salami with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas for a protein-packed vegetarian version. Use plant-based mozzarella to keep it completely meat-free.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional tortellini with gluten-free cheese or spinach tortellini made from rice or corn flour. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Mediterranean Remix: Substitute salami with kalamata olives and add crumbled feta cheese. Swap red wine vinegar for lemon juice and include cucumber for extra freshness.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace tortellini with cauliflower or zucchini noodles. Add more protein-rich ingredients like grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs to make the salad more filling.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?

Yes, you can substitute tortellini with other filled pasta like ravioli or even penne if you prefer. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente and cooled before mixing.

• Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

No, the salad contains salami, which is a meat product. To make it vegetarian, you can replace salami with roasted vegetables or plant-based protein alternatives like tofu.

• How long can I keep this pasta salad in the refrigerator?

The salad can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. However, the texture of the vegetables and pasta might slightly change after the first day, so it’s best consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, letting the salad sit for 30 minutes to a few hours allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a gentle toss before serving.

Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delightful Italian “tortellini pasta salad” brings summer freshness to your table with colorful vegetables and zesty dressing. Cheese-filled pasta mingles with crisp ingredients, offering a perfect balance of flavors you’ll savor at picnics or family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1720 ounces (48.8 kilograms) cheese tortellini
• 16 ounces (454 grams) grape tomatoes, halved
• 8 ounces (227 grams) fresh mozzarella pearls
• 1 cup chopped salami or summer sausage
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

Peppers and Herbs:

• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Boil the tortellini in salted water until tender, following package instructions for precise cooking time.
2. Rapidly cool the pasta by transferring to a chilled colander and placing in the refrigerator to halt cooking process.
3. Craft a vibrant vinaigrette by whisking together robust olive oil, tangy red wine vinegar, zesty Dijon mustard, golden honey, minced garlic, and seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Slice grape tomatoes into halves, cube mozzarella, chop salami into bite-sized pieces, and dice bell peppers and red onions into uniform fragments.
5. Introduce the chopped pepperoncini, freshly chopped parsley, and delicate basil leaves into the mixing bowl.
6. Gently fold all prepared ingredients into the whisked dressing, ensuring each component receives a luxurious coating.
7. Retrieve the chilled tortellini and incorporate into the salad, carefully mixing to distribute flavors evenly without breaking the pasta.
8. Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes, permitting ingredients to meld and intensify their collective taste profile.
9. Before serving, give a final gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and revive the salad’s glossy appearance.

Notes

• Ensure tortellini is cooked al dente to prevent mushy texture and maintain a pleasant chew.
• Marinate salami in dressing beforehand to enhance its flavor and help it blend seamlessly with other ingredients.
• Prep vegetables in uniform bite-sized pieces for consistent taste and easier eating experience.
• Make this dish gluten-free by substituting regular tortellini with gluten-free cheese or vegetable-filled alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 389
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 630 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 28 mg