Italian Tortellini Salad




Introduction

Craving a light and flavorful dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple lunch? Look no further than Italian Tortellini Salad. This recipe combines cheesy tortellini with a mix of fresh vegetables, savory salami, and zesty Italian dressing for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal.

Why Make This Recipe

Italian Tortellini Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It’s quick to prepare and bursting with delicious Italian flavors. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a tasty meal prep option, this recipe ticks all the boxes.

How to Make Italian Tortellini Salad

Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought, more as needed)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • ¾ cup salami (diced)
  • ⅓ cup red onion (diced)
  • ½ red pepper (diced)
  • ½ green pepper (diced)
  • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese (shredded)
  • 1 tablespoon parsley (fresh, chopped)

Directions:

  1. Cook the tortellini in a large pot of salted water until al dente according to package directions.
  2. Drain the cooked tortellini well and rinse under cold water to cool and prevent further cooking.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, salami, red onion, bell peppers, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Add the Italian dressing and toss well to coat everything.
  4. Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. Optionally, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

How to Serve Italian Tortellini Salad

Serve the Italian Tortellini Salad chilled as a refreshing meal on a hot day. It pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. Enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or pack it up for a picnic in the park.

How to Store Italian Tortellini Salad

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving again to distribute the dressing evenly.

Tips to Make Italian Tortellini Salad

  • Customize the salad by adding your favorite veggies such as olives, cucumbers, or artichoke hearts.
  • For a lighter version, use a vinaigrette dressing or reduce the amount of dressing added.
  • Garnish with fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Variation

For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and add extra veggies like grilled zucchini or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of umami flavor.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, Italian Tortellini Salad tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together, so it’s perfect for making in advance.
  2. Is it okay to use frozen tortellini? Absolutely! Just cook it according to the package instructions before assembling the salad.
  3. Can I use a different type of pasta? While tortellini works best for this recipe, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like bowtie or penne if desired.

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