Tortellini Pasta Salad
Elevate your pasta salad game with this irresistible Tortellini Pasta Salad. Featuring tender cheese-filled tortellini, zesty Italian salami, and crisp vegetables, it’s the perfect harmony of textures and flavors that will delight any palate.
The homemade balsamic dressing ties everything together with its tangy, slightly sweet notes, adding a gourmet touch to every bite. Whether served as a side or the star of the table, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious.
Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or weeknight dinners, this salad promises to be a crowd favorite. Prepare to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Tortellini Pasta Salad: Ingredients That Define Flavor
- Cheese-Filled Tortellini: The heart of this dish, these tender pasta pockets add a creamy, indulgent base that soaks up the vibrant flavors of the dressing.
- Mozzarella Pearls: Soft and milky, these little gems provide a delightful burst of creamy richness in every bite.
- Sundried Tomatoes: Intensely flavorful and slightly chewy, they bring a tangy-sweet depth that enhances the salad’s Mediterranean vibe.
- Baby Spinach: Fresh and vibrant, its earthy tones balance the richness of the other ingredients while adding a pop of green.
- Italian Salami: Bold and savory, it introduces a smoky, spiced note that elevates the overall taste profile.
- Bell Peppers: Crisp and colorful, these add a refreshing crunch and a touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.
- Balsamic Dressing: The perfect blend of tangy and sweet, this homemade dressing ties everything together with a luscious finish.
Tortellini Pasta Salad: Recipe Tips, Serving Suggestions, and FAQ
Recipe Tips
- Perfect Tortellini Texture
To avoid mushy pasta, boil the tortellini for slightly less than the recommended time on the package. They will continue softening as they cool and absorb the dressing. Rinse briefly in cold water to halt cooking. - Homemade Dressing Advantage
While store-bought balsamic dressings are convenient, making your own adds a personalized touch. Adjust the balance of honey and vinegar to suit your taste—slightly sweeter for kids or tangier for adults. - Prep Ingredients Ahead
For quick assembly, chop vegetables, drain olives, and prepare the dressing in advance. Store them in separate containers until combining. This keeps the salad fresh and prevents wilting.
What to Serve with Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Grilled Chicken
A side of marinated and grilled chicken complements the robust flavors of the salad while adding protein for a complete meal. Lemon-herb seasoning works particularly well. - Garlic Bread
Warm, crusty garlic bread is a perfect companion, offering a satisfying crunch and a buttery, garlicky flavor that balances the salad’s tangy notes. - Sparkling Lemonade
Pairing this vibrant salad with a refreshing drink like sparkling lemonade enhances the light, summery vibe of the meal, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings.
FAQ
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the salad up to a day in advance but reserve a portion of the dressing to drizzle just before serving for optimal freshness. - What can I substitute for salami?
Pepperoni, cooked chicken, or even chickpeas are excellent substitutes that cater to different dietary preferences. - Can I use dried tortellini instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. Fresh or frozen tortellini typically yield a softer, more flavorful result. - Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! Simply omit the salami or replace it with marinated artichoke hearts or roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly version.
The homemade balsamic dressing ties everything together with its tangy, slightly sweet notes, adding a gourmet touch to every bite. Whether served as a side or the star of the table, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- Salad
- Tortellini frozen or refrigerated (20 oz)
- Mozzarella pearls 8 oz, approximately 1 ½ cups
- Sundried tomatoes drained, chopped, and patted dry (7 oz)
- Baby spinach 2 cups
- Diced bell peppers red and green (2 cups)
- Chopped salami or substitute with pepperoni (1 cup)
- Finely diced red onion ½ cup
- Kalamata olives ¾ cup
- Grated Parmesan cheese ¼ cup
- Balsamic Dressing or use up to 1 ¼ cups of a preferred bottled variety
- Extra virgin olive oil ¾ cup
- Balsamic vinegar ⅓ cup
- Honey 3 tablespoons
- Dijon mustard 3 teaspoons
- Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
- Salt ¾ teaspoon
- Black pepper ¼ teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by combining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small food processor or a sealable jar. Blend or shake thoroughly until emulsified. Refrigerate until needed.
- Cook the tortellini according to the instructions provided on the package, ensuring not to overcook. Once done, drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- While the tortellini is still warm, add ½ cup of the prepared dressing. Use a silicone spatula to gently toss, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. Allow the mixture to cool for approximately 10 minutes.
- Once cooled, incorporate the spinach, bell peppers, mozzarella, sundried tomatoes, salami, red onion, olives, and Parmesan cheese into the bowl. Add up to an additional ½ cup of dressing, and toss delicately to combine all components.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld. If preferred, drizzle any remaining dressing over the salad just before serving. For preparations made a day in advance, consult the notes for optimal freshness.
