Description

Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad is a flavorful and colorful dish combining tender cheese-filled tortellini, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and fresh crunchy vegetables tossed in a tangy homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick family meal, this salad balances rich, savory, and fresh textures and flavors in a versatile and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad

12 oz fresh or dried cheese or spinach filled tortellini
6 oz good-quality salami, diced (traditional Italian or turkey salami)
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (mozzarella pearls) or cubed mozzarella
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, diced

For the Dressing

1/4 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of dried oregano, basil, thyme)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually 7-10 minutes for fresh or slightly longer for dried. Once cooked, drain and rinse briefly with cold water to halt the cooking. Toss gently with 1 teaspoon olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside to cool completely.
Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Dice the salami into bite-sized pieces for even flavor distribution. Chop or cube the mozzarella or use mozzarella pearls as is. Halve the cherry tomatoes for a bright appearance and bite. Dice the cucumber into uniform pieces for texture balance.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Optionally, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, diced salami, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly with the vinaigrette.
Chill and Serve: Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill. Serve cold, optionally garnished with fresh basil or parsley for added aroma and color.

Notes

The tortellini provides a soft, cheesy, and doughy texture that forms the salad’s hearty base.
Salami adds a savory, slightly smoky flavor that complements the creamy cheese.
Mozzarella offers a mild, creamy balance to the tangy vinaigrette dressing.
Fresh vegetables such as cherry tomatoes and cucumbers introduce crispness and refreshing contrast.
The homemade dressing’s bright acidity and herbs tie all the salad elements together beautifully.
For best flavor, allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for optimal taste.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Customize with other veggies, protein options, or cheese to suit dietary preferences.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: tortellini salad, pasta salad, salami and mozzarella, Italian pasta salad, easy dinner recipe, potluck dish, quick meals, fresh pasta salad