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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Dice salami into small, uniform cubes and slice fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces to ensure balanced flavor distribution throughout the pasta salad.
- Slice cherry tomatoes in half and cut cucumber into neat, small cubes to create an appealing texture and visual presentation.
- 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.
- Transfer cooled tortellini into a spacious mixing bowl, adding prepared salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, and cucumber with gentle precision.
- Pour dressing over ingredients, using a soft folding motion to coat every component without crushing delicate pasta or breaking cheese pieces.
- Cover salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop a more complex taste profile.
- 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