Zesty Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer

Crafting a delightful salami-mozzarella tortellini pasta salad can turn an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

Flavors dance across your palate with each carefully assembled bite.

Crisp ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Robust salami pieces add unexpected richness to delicate cheese-filled tortellini.

Summer gatherings deserve something special that impresses without complex preparation.

Colorful vegetables intermingle with salty meat and creamy mozzarella, promising a crowd-pleasing experience.

Tortellini Pasta Salad That’s a Total Party Pleaser

• Speedy Weeknight Feast: Whip up this delicious pasta salad in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a quick and satisfying meal.
• Flavor-Packed Convenience: Combines classic Italian ingredients like salami and mozzarella into an easy-to-prepare dish that requires minimal cooking skills and maximum taste.
• Versatile Summer Sensation: Ideal for picnics, potlucks, and outdoor gatherings, this chilled pasta salad serves as a refreshing side dish or light main course that keeps everyone cool and satisfied.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the salad in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to develop and making meal planning a breeze for stress-free entertaining.

What Goes Into Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Tortellini: Hearty and chewy pasta filled with cheese or meat, perfect for a satisfying base in the salad.

• Salami, Mozzarella: Rich, savory protein and creamy cheese that add bold flavor and texture to the pasta salad.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber: Crisp, juicy vegetables that provide fresh crunch and bright flavors to balance the rich salami and cheese.

• Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar: Smooth, tangy liquid base that helps bind and season the salad with Mediterranean flair.
• Italian Seasoning: Aromatic herb blend that adds classic Italian taste to the dressing.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance overall flavor profile.

Pasta Salad Assembly with Salami and Tortellini

Step 1: Boil Tortellini

Drop tortellini into a pot of salted boiling water.

Follow package cooking time until pasta reaches al dente texture.

Drain pasta completely and rinse under cold water to stop cooking process.

Allow tortellini to cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Chop Delicious Ingredients

• Salami
• Fresh mozzarella
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber

Dice salami into small bite-sized pieces.

Cut mozzarella into cubes.

Slice cherry tomatoes in half.

Chop cucumber into small chunks.

Step 3: Create Zesty Dressing

• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Italian seasoning
• Black pepper
• Salt

Mix all dressing components in a small bowl until well combined.

Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Step 4: Blend Pasta Mixture

Add all chopped ingredients into a large mixing bowl.

Pour prepared dressing over the tortellini and vegetable mixture.

Gently toss everything together ensuring even coating of dressing.

Step 5: Chill and Prepare to Serve

Cover pasta salad with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop and meld together.

Remove from refrigerator just before serving.

Enjoy cold as a refreshing meal or side dish.

Pasta Salad Tips with Salami and Mozzarella Savory Flair

• Rinse tortellini with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.
• Swap salami with turkey or chicken for a leaner version, or use vegetarian salami alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the dressing to infuse the ingredients with rich, tangy notes.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving to maintain crispness and add a vibrant, fresh flavor profile.
• Prepare the salad a day in advance, keeping dressing and herbs separate until serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

Store Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Enjoy the salad directly from the fridge without reheating, as the ingredients are best served chilled. The flavors will continue to develop while stored.
• Before serving, give the pasta salad a gentle stir and add a small splash of olive oil to revive the dressing if it seems dry. This will help restore the salad's original texture and taste.
• Do not freeze this salad, as the texture of mozzarella, tomatoes, and cucumber will become watery and lose their crisp quality when thawed.

Side Ideas for Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to complement the salami's richness and cut through the creamy mozzarella. The wine's bright acidity balances the pasta salad's bold flavors.
• Serve with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a peppery green side that contrasts the pasta's richness. Dress lightly with lemon vinaigrette to add a tangy, fresh counterpoint to the salami and cheese.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Add a crunchy texture that soaks up the dressing's herbal notes. The garlic's warmth enhances the Italian seasoning in the pasta salad, creating a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Pour Sparkling Aperol Spritz: Craft a light, bubbly cocktail that refreshes the palate. Its citrusy, slightly bitter profile provides a perfect counterbalance to the salami's saltiness and the mozzarella's creaminess.

Tortellini Salad Meat & Cheese Combos

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace salami with roasted red peppers or grilled zucchini for a meat-free version. Use plant-based mozzarella to keep the creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular tortellini with gluten-free cheese or spinach tortellini. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Mediterranean Remix: Add kalamata olives, diced red onions, and crumbled feta cheese. Substitute red wine vinegar with lemon juice for a brighter, tangier flavor profile.
• Protein-Packed Alternative: Incorporate grilled chicken strips or canned tuna instead of salami. Include diced chickpeas for extra protein and texture.

FAQs

• Is this pasta salad suitable for vegetarians?

No, it contains salami and mozzarella, which are meat and dairy products. Vegetarians would need to replace these ingredients with plant-based alternatives.

• Can I use a different type of pasta if tortellini is unavailable?

Yes, you can substitute tortellini with other filled pastas like ravioli or substitute with small shell pasta or penne for a similar texture and feel.

• How long can this pasta salad stay fresh in the refrigerator?

The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Just be aware that the vegetables might lose some crispness over time.

• Are there any potential allergens in this recipe?

Yes, the recipe contains gluten from pasta, dairy from mozzarella, and potential allergens in salami. People with wheat, dairy, or meat allergies should be cautious or modify the ingredients.

Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Salami-mozzarella tortellini pasta salad delivers a delightful Mediterranean-inspired twist to classic comfort cuisine. Savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and fresh herbs merge in a satisfying dish that beckons you to explore its rich, zesty flavors.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) tortellini pasta
• 1 cup (150 grams) salami, diced
• 1 cup (150 grams) mozzarella cheese, cubed or pearl mozzarella balls
• 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (120 grams) cucumber, diced

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Boil tortellini in salted water until perfectly al dente, following package guidelines. Immediately drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking process and prevent sticking.
2. Dice salami into small, uniform cubes and slice fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces to ensure balanced flavor distribution throughout the pasta salad.
3. Slice cherry tomatoes in half and cut cucumber into neat, small cubes to create an appealing texture and visual presentation.
4. Prepare a zesty vinaigrette by whisking together fruity olive oil, tangy red wine vinegar, aromatic Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smoothly incorporated.
5. Transfer cooled tortellini into a spacious mixing bowl, adding prepared salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, and cucumber with gentle precision.
6. Pour dressing over ingredients, using a soft folding motion to coat every component without crushing delicate pasta or breaking cheese pieces.
7. Cover salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop a more complex taste profile.
8. Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss to redistribute dressing and ingredients, ensuring each bite contains a perfect blend of flavors.

Notes

• Swap out regular tortellini for whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate different dietary needs.
• Remove salami for a vegetarian version and replace with roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and store separately to maintain crispness and prevent soggy salad texture.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like fresh basil or oregano to enhance the dressing’s flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 802mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 45mg