Description
This tortellini pasta salad will be the hit of any party! With cheesy tortellini and a tangy Italian dressing, everyone will devour it.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 beef salami or turkey 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, vinegar, mustard, honey, garlic, 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 cool for 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, mozzarella, beef salami or turkey pepperoni, Parmesan, spinach, and basil to the bowl with the tortellini. Pour the remaining dressing over the top and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Step 5: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld. Toss again and taste for seasoning before serving. Add more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.
- Step 6: Garnish with additional fresh basil and Parmesan if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Notes
For make-ahead: Cook the tortellini and toss with half the dressing while warm. Let cool, then add the remaining ingredients except spinach/arugula and the remaining dressing. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add greens and remaining dressing just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: tortellini pasta salad, Italian salad, summer potluck, party side dish