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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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 People
Course: pasta salad
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

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

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.