Zesty Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer

Crafting a mouthwatering salami-mozzarella tortellini pasta salad brings pure culinary joy to any gathering.

Colorful ingredients dance together in a delightful Mediterranean-inspired medley.

Chunks of savory salami add robust flavor that complements the creamy mozzarella perfectly.

Tender tortellini create a satisfying base for this delectable dish.

Vibrant herbs and zesty dressing make each bite a refreshing experience.

Summer picnics and casual dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet impressive recipe.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing creation for your next meal.

Why This Tortellini Salad Is a Bold Picnic Star

• Create Flavor Explosion: Packed with zesty salami, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, this pasta salad delivers a burst of Mediterranean-inspired taste in every bite.
• Master Quick Meal Prep: Easily assembled with simple ingredients and minimal cooking, this recipe transforms ordinary tortellini into a stunning crowd-pleasing dish perfect for gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows swapping ingredients based on preferences or what's available in your kitchen, making it adaptable for different dietary needs and tastes.
• Boost Meal Variety: Serve as a refreshing main course, side dish, or potluck contribution that works beautifully for picnics, summer parties, and casual family dinners.

Everything in This Salami-Mozzarella Pasta Salad

• Tortellini: A delicate Italian pasta filled with cheese or meat, forming the core of this refreshing salad.

• Salami: A flavorful Italian cured meat that adds a rich, savory dimension to the pasta salad.
• Mozzarella: A soft, mild cheese that provides creamy texture and complements the other ingredients.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Small, sweet tomatoes that bring bright color and fresh flavor to the dish.
• Red Onion: A sharp and colorful onion variety that adds a crisp bite and aromatic quality.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: An herb that introduces a fragrant, peppery note to the salad.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar: Provides a classic, tangy base for the salad dressing.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Dried Oregano: An herb that adds a traditional Mediterranean seasoning.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Pasta Salad

Step 1: Boil Tortellini Perfectly

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook tortellini until they’re tender yet firm, following package timing. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes for that ideal al dente texture.

Step 2: Cool Down Pasta

Drain the tortellini immediately and rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from sticking together. Let the tortellini cool completely to room temperature.

Step 3: Prep Fresh Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Red onion (thinly sliced)
• Fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped)

Step 4: Whip Up Flavorful Dressing

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Proteins

• Cooled tortellini
• Diced salami
• Cubed mozzarella
• Prepared cherry tomatoes
• Sliced red onion

Step 6: Dress and Toss

Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Carefully toss to ensure every ingredient gets an even coating of the delicious dressing.

Step 7: Add Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle chopped basil leaves over the salad. Gently mix to distribute the fresh herb throughout the dish.

Step 8: Marinate and Chill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to mingle and develop a more complex taste profile.

Step 9: Final Touch and Serve

Give the salad a final gentle stir before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Quick Tips for Balancing Flavors in Every Bite

• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Rinse tortellini with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Let the salad chill for 30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to marinate and develop richer taste profiles.
• Balance Texture: Cut ingredients into uniform sizes for consistent mouthfeel and even distribution of flavors throughout the salad.
• Enhance Dressing Impact: Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to ensure complete flavor integration and smooth consistency.
• Fresh Herb Tip: Add basil just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and fresh, aromatic quality.

Tasty Pasta Salad Combos to Keep Things Fresh

• Spicy Mediterranean Mix: Replace salami with chorizo and add roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Garden Blend: Swap salami with grilled zucchini and artichoke hearts, incorporate fresh spinach leaves, and use a lemon-herb dressing for a lighter, plant-based option.
• Protein Power Bowl: Enhance the salad by adding grilled chicken strips, replacing red onion with green onions, and incorporating a touch of Dijon mustard in the dressing for extra protein and tang.
• Italian Caprese Remix: Increase mozzarella quantity, add sun-dried tomatoes, include fresh arugula, and drizzle with balsamic glaze for a classic Italian-inspired transformation.

What to Pair with Tortellini Salad at Any Meal

• Boost Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Italian white like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino to complement the salami's richness and cut through the creamy mozzarella.
• Elevate Cocktail Match: Craft an Aperol Spritz with its light, citrusy notes that beautifully balance the savory salami and refreshing pasta salad ingredients.
• Enhance Beer Selection: Choose a light-bodied German pilsner or Italian lager with clean, crisp flavors that won't overpower the delicate tortellini and fresh herbs.
• Perfect Non-Alcoholic Option: Prepare a sparkling blood orange San Pellegrino or homemade lemonade with fresh basil to mirror the salad's bright, herbal undertones.

Storing Tortellini Salad Without Losing Freshness

• Transfer the salad to an airtight container, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness and prevent contamination from other foods.
• Keep the pasta salad refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, checking for any signs of spoilage before consuming.
• Store mozzarella and salami-based salads separately from leafy components to prevent wilting and maintain optimal texture.
• Avoid freezing this specific pasta salad, as the fresh ingredients and delicate mozzarella will lose their texture and quality when thawed.

Salami Tortellini Pasta Salad FAQs You’ll Want

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

Yes, you can substitute tortellini with other stuffed pasta like ravioli or even penne for a similar delicious result.

• Is this pasta salad suitable for vegetarians?

No, the recipe contains salami. To make it vegetarian, replace salami with plant-based alternatives like roasted vegetables or vegetarian salami.

• How long can this pasta salad stay fresh?

The salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

• Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing it a few hours or even a day before serving allows the flavors to blend beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or gatherings.

Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Salami-mozzarella tortellini pasta salad brings Mediterranean charm to your table with bold Italian flavors. Crisp ingredients and zesty dressing create a perfect summer meal that refreshes and satisfies you completely.

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Ingredients

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Pasta Ingredients:

• 12 oz tortellini pasta
• 4 oz salami, diced
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed

Vegetables:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 clove garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook tortellini according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
2. Drain the tortellini and immediately rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent sticking, then allow to cool completely.
3. While pasta cools, prepare the vegetables by halving cherry tomatoes, thinly slicing red onion, and roughly chopping fresh basil leaves.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a vibrant dressing.
5. Transfer cooled tortellini to a large serving bowl and gently fold in diced salami, cubed mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
6. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and carefully toss to ensure even coating and distribution of ingredients.
7. Sprinkle chopped basil leaves over the salad and gently mix to incorporate.
8. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop, creating a more cohesive and delicious pasta salad.
9. Before serving, give the salad a final gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve chilled.

Notes

• Pasta Cooking Pro Tip: Always cook tortellini just until al dente to maintain a perfect chewy texture and prevent mushiness.
• Cooling Hack: Rinsing pasta with cold water immediately stops the cooking process and prevents clumping, ensuring each tortellini remains separate and appetizing.
• Flavor Enhancing Trick: Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes allows the dressing to penetrate the ingredients, creating a more complex and harmonious taste profile.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap salami with turkey salami or plant-based alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version of this crowd-pleasing pasta salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg