Tortellini Pasta Salad

This easy tortellini pasta salad is loaded with cheese tortellini, fresh veggies, and zesty Italian dressing. It’s the perfect make-ahead side for summer cookouts, potlucks, or weekday lunches. The combination of creamy cheese, crunchy vegetables, and savory salami makes every bite exciting and satisfying.

I first made this salad for a family picnic and everyone kept going back for seconds. Now it’s always requested for gatherings and even busy weekday meals around here.

Ingredients

• Cheese tortellini: fresh or frozen works fine but frozen cooks quickly and stays tender
• Chopped salami: adds a smoky, meaty flavor choose a good quality hard salami for the best texture and taste
• Cherry tomatoes: bright and juicy make sure they are ripe for sweetness
• Cucumber: provides crispness and hydration pick firm and fresh ones without soft spots
• Sliced black olives: bring a salty, briny depth canned or jarred are fine just drain well
• Mozzarella cheese pearls: or diced fresh mozzarella melt slightly and add creaminess look for fresh mozzarella in a vacuum pack for great flavor
• Thinly sliced red onion: offers a sharp bite soak them in cold water briefly to mellow if desired
• Diced red and green bell peppers: add vibrant color and crunch fresh and firm is best
• Chopped fresh sweet basil leaves: give an aromatic herbal lift use fresh to brighten the salad
• Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper: for seasoning balance
• Fresh grated parmesan cheese: adds a nutty salty edge
• Zesty Italian salad dressing: for tang and herbaceous flavor homemade or store-bought both work well
• Pesto sauce: adds an extra layer of savory garlicky richness opt for a quality jarred or homemade pesto if possible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

No sautéing needed for this recipe which helps keep everything fresh and vibrant.

Cook Tortellini:

Cook cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente which means tender but still slightly firm. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.

Mix the Salad Ingredients:

In a large bowl combine cooked tortellini, chopped salami, halved cherry tomatoes, quartered and sliced cucumber, sliced black olives, mozzarella pearls, thinly sliced red onion, diced red and green bell peppers, and fresh chopped basil. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Add Cheese and Dressings:

Sprinkle fresh grated parmesan cheese over the salad. Drizzle zesty Italian dressing and your pesto sauce evenly across the bowl. The dressing not only adds flavor but also helps all the ingredients come together.

Toss and Chill:

Gently toss the salad to combine everything thoroughly but without mashing the softer ingredients. Cover and chill in fridge for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Prepare to Serve:

Before serving give the salad a final gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and flavors. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves if you like. Serve chilled for the best refreshing taste.

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I love the fresh sweet basil in this salad. It adds such a wonderful bright, herbal note that really elevates the dish. This salad always reminds me of warm summer afternoons when I bring it along to neighborhood barbecues and everyone shares stories over bites of this colorful mix.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Give it a good stir before serving again since the dressing can settle at the bottom. Avoid freezing because the texture of the cheese and vegetables will suffer.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap salami for pepperoni or cooked diced sausage if you prefer less cured meat. Use fresh spinach or arugula in place of basil for a different green twist. Regular Italian dressing can replace the zesty version to tone down the spice level.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks. For a vegetarian option, leave out the salami and add extra mozzarella or chickpeas for protein.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How should the tortellini be cooked for the salad?

Cook the cheese tortellini until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water to cool and stop cooking.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, chilling the salad for at least one hour helps the flavors meld beautifully, making it perfect for make-ahead meals.

→ What kind of cheese works best in this salad?

Fresh mozzarella pearls or diced mozzarella provide a creamy texture that complements the other ingredients well.

→ Are there any suggested garnishes for serving?

Additional fresh basil leaves can be added as a garnish to enhance freshness and aroma before serving.

→ What dressing brings out the best flavors here?

A zesty Italian salad dressing combined with a touch of pesto adds bright, herby notes that tie all ingredients together.