Description
A vibrant and flavorful Italian Pasta Salad featuring cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, deli salami, and a zesty Italian dressing. This refreshing antipasto salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light meal and can be quickly prepared in just 25 minutes. Chilling enhances the flavors for a delicious, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 1 cup Italian Dressing (or 1 cup Homemade Italian Dressing)
Pasta and Vegetables
- 20 oz. cheese tortellini (refrigerated, store-bought)
- 1 cucumber (sliced and quartered, seeded if desired)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 can black olives (6 oz., drained and halved)
- 1 roasted red pepper (chopped)
- ½ medium red onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 pepperoncini (chopped)
Dairy and Meat
- 1 cup mini bocconcini
- 1 cup deli salami (chopped)
Herbs and Garnishes
- 2 tbsp fresh basil (julienned)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tsp fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: If you are using homemade Italian dressing, prepare it according to your recipe and set it aside in the fridge to chill while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package directions, usually for about 3-5 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
- Toss Pasta with Dressing: Place the warm tortellini in a large bowl and pour half of the Italian dressing over it. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, black olives, roasted red pepper, red onion, chopped pepperoncini, mini bocconcini, chopped deli salami, fresh basil, fresh parsley, and grated parmesan cheese to the bowl with the pasta.
- Combine Salad and Dress: Pour the remaining dressing over the combined salad ingredients and toss thoroughly so everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: While you can serve the salad immediately, it is recommended to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop and the tortellini to cool completely.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Prior to serving, optionally garnish the salad with the additional grated parmesan, chopped fresh basil, and parsley for an extra pop of flavor and freshness. Serve and enjoy your Italian Pasta Salad!
Notes
- This salad tastes best when chilled for at least 30 minutes but can be served immediately in a pinch.
- Feel free to swap deli salami for other cured meats like pepperoni or prosciutto if preferred.
- Use fresh herbs generously for the best aromatic flavor.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To reduce sodium, rinse the canned olives and pepperoncini before adding.
