This Easy Italian Tortellini Salad is a colorful mix of cheese-filled pasta, fresh veggies, and a tasty dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at any meal!
You can whip this up in no time, and it’s always a hit at gatherings. Plus, if you have leftovers, they taste even better the next day. What’s not to love? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: The star of the dish! I recommend using refrigerated cheese tortellini for better flavor and texture. If you’re looking for a change, try using spinach tortellini for some added green goodness.
Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red bell peppers add crunch and color. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, chopped Roma tomatoes work well. For cucumbers, you could also use bell peppers or even diced carrots if you prefer a sweeter taste.
Olives: Black olives lend a briny flavor. If you’re not a fan, green olives or even artichoke hearts make a great substitute.
Salami: I love using Italian salami for its bold flavor. However, if you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey salami works too! For a vegetarian twist, just skip the salami or add chickpeas.
Dressing: Olive oil and vinegar create a classic dressing, but feel free to mix it up! Balsamic vinegar or lemon juice can also taste fantastic. You can add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity if desired.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Tortellini?
Cooking the tortellini properly is essential for this salad’s success! Follow these simple steps:
- Use a large pot and plenty of salted water to give the tortellini room to cook without sticking.
- Boil according to package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes. Take care not to overcook!
- When done, immediately drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep the tortellini firm for the salad.
Perfectly cooked tortellini creates a delightful bite in your salad. Enjoy the freshness of this dish with these simple tips!
Easy Italian Tortellini Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 package (9-12 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or small mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- 1 cup Italian salami, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Italian Tortellini Salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. Altogether, it’s a quick and simple dish to prepare, perfect for a meal or a party tray!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions, usually around 3-5 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. After cooking, drain the tortellini and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. Set it aside.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, sliced black olives, mozzarella cheese, diced salami, and chopped parsley. If you’re using red onion, toss that in as well for some extra crunch and flavor.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. This dressing is what makes the salad pop, so make sure to mix it well!
4. Combine and Chill:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together nicely.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to refresh it. Add some more fresh parsley on top for garnish if you like. This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion!
Enjoy this colorful, flavorful Italian tortellini salad as a satisfying main dish or a zesty side!
FAQ for Easy Italian Tortellini Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is traditional, you can use spinach tortellini for a twist. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking time, as it may vary.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors may even improve after chilling! Just give it a gentle toss before enjoying again.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! This salad is great for meal prep. Just prepare it up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. The flavors will develop and meld beautifully overnight.
What Can I Substitute for Salami?
If you want a lighter option, you can use turkey salami or omit it altogether for a vegetarian version. You could also add chickpeas for some protein without the meat!
