Description
A Tortellini Salad is a fresh pasta salad that’s typically made with cooked tortellini, a type of stuffed pasta, and mixed with various vegetables, meats, and a zesty dressing. The dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures—chewy tortellini, crunchy vegetables, and savory salami and cheese—all tied together with a tangy Italian dressing. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. It’s a crowd-pleasing option that can be easily tailored to your liking.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
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18 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini (cheese-filled is typical, but you can use any variety you prefer)
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (add a burst of color and flavor)
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¾ cup diced salami (this adds a savory, hearty element)
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⅓ cup diced red onion (offers a bit of sharpness and crunch)
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½ red bell pepper, diced (adds sweetness and color)
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½ green bell pepper, diced (for added crunch and color contrast)
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2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese (for a rich, nutty flavor)
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (adds a touch of freshness and color)
For the Dressing:
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1 cup Italian dressing (you can use homemade or store-bought for convenience)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (adds a touch of richness and depth)
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½ teaspoon salt (to enhance flavors)
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¼ teaspoon black pepper (for a slight kick of heat)
Instructions
1. Cook the Tortellini
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Boil a large pot of salted water over medium-high heat.
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Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions (usually around 2-4 minutes).
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Once cooked, drain the tortellini and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps maintain the perfect texture.
2. Prepare the Ingredients
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While the tortellini is cooling, dice the cherry tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper into small, bite-sized pieces.
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Cut the salami into small cubes or thin strips, depending on your preference.
3. Make the Dressing
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In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Assemble the Salad
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In a large bowl, add the cooled tortellini and pour in about half of the prepared dressing. Toss gently to coat the tortellini in the dressing.
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Add the cherry tomatoes, salami, red onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the bowl. Toss everything together until evenly mixed.
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Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley over the salad. Toss again gently to combine.
5. Finish & Serve
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Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and toss one last time.
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For the best flavor, refrigerate the Tortellini Salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld together and intensify.
Notes
This Tortellini Salad is super versatile! Feel free to mix in your favorite seasonal veggies, switch up the dressing, or add proteins like grilled chicken or salami for a heartier version. It’s perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or a quick lunch. Make it your own and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Tortellini Salad Recipe