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:
- Cook the tortellini in a large pot of salted water until al dente according to package directions.
- Drain the cooked tortellini well and rinse under cold water to cool and prevent further cooking.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Is it okay to use frozen tortellini? Absolutely! Just cook it according to the package instructions before assembling the salad.
- 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.