Name: Tortellini Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Fresh Mozzarella Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped; 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls; 1/2 cup chopped salami or pepperoni; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups baby spinach or arugula; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil; 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp honey; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients

20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, peeled and chopped

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls

1/2 cup chopped salami or pepperoni

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups baby spinach or arugula

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp honey

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the tortellini in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Transfer to a large bowl.

Step 2: While the tortellini cooks, make the dressing. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Shake well until emulsified.

Step 3: Pour half of the dressing over the warm tortellini and toss gently to coat. Let it cool for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, mozzarella balls, chopped salami, grated Parmesan, baby spinach, and fresh basil to the bowl with the tortellini.

Step 5: Pour the remaining dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 6: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, toss again and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.

Step 7: Garnish with additional fresh basil and Parmesan if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for extra flavor.

Use fresh tortellini from the deli section if available for a more delicate texture.

Allowing the salad to sit helps the tortellini absorb the dressing, enhancing the taste.

Try swapping arugula for baby spinach for a peppery bite.

FAQs

Can I use dried tortellini for this recipe?

While refrigerated or fresh tortellini work best for this salad, dried tortellini can be used if cooked according to package instructions. Be sure to rinse well to cool and prevent sticking.

How long should the salad marinate for best flavor?

Chilling the salad for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to blend nicely, but it can be made a day ahead for even better taste. Just keep it refrigerated until serving.