Crisp Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe for Lunch

Crafting a delectable salami-mozzarella tortellini pasta salad transports you to an Italian culinary adventure.

Vibrant ingredients dance together in a symphony of flavors.

Cheese and cured meat create a perfect harmony on your plate.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of textures and tastes.

Mediterranean influences shine through with every forkful of this delightful dish.

Crisp vegetables and savory salami complement the soft, pillowy tortellini.

Whip up this crowd-pleasing recipe and watch smiles emerge around the dinner table.

Why Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad Is Crowd-Pleasing

• Boost Flavor Fast: Packed with zesty salami, creamy mozzarella, and tangy dressing, this pasta salad delivers a burst of delicious Italian-inspired taste in every bite.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, picnics, and gatherings, this versatile dish travels well and serves a crowd with minimal last-minute preparation.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra veggies to match your preferences, making it a flexible recipe that adapts to your pantry and taste buds.
• No-Stress Meal Prep: Simple to assemble with basic ingredients, this recipe requires minimal cooking skills and can be prepared ahead of time, reducing day-of kitchen stress.

Ingredients for Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Salad

• Tortellini: A classic Italian pasta filled with cheese, providing a hearty base for the salad.

• Salami, Mozzarella Cheese: Salami offers a rich, savory flavor, while mozzarella adds a creamy and mild texture to the dish.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber: Cherry tomatoes bring a sweet and tangy element, and cucumber provides a crisp, refreshing crunch to the salad.

• Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar: Olive oil creates a smooth base, and red wine vinegar adds a bright, acidic note to the dressing.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Italian seasoning blends herbs for an authentic flavor, while salt and pepper enhance the overall taste of the salad.

How to Toss Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Follow the tortellini package instructions carefully. Ensure the water is generously salted and at a rolling boil.

Cook until the pasta is tender but still firm. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Spread the tortellini on a flat surface to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare Fresh Ingredients

• Salami (diced into bite-sized pieces)
• Mozzarella cheese (chopped into small cubes)
• Cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
• Cucumber (cut into small diced chunks)

Arrange all ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 3: Craft Zesty Dressing

• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Italian seasoning blend
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Blend the ingredients until they form a smooth, well-combined dressing.

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Pour the freshly made dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture.

Use a large spoon or tongs to gently toss everything together. Ensure each piece gets a generous coating of the tangy dressing.

Step 5: Chill and Enhance Flavors

Transfer the pasta salad to the refrigerator. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes before serving.

This waiting period allows the flavors to mingle and intensify, creating a more delicious and cohesive dish.

Tips That Elevate Tortellini Pasta Salad Flavor

• Cook tortellini al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a perfect texture in your pasta salad.
• Chill ingredients before mixing to help the dressing absorb better and enhance overall flavor profile.
• Cut salami and mozzarella into uniform, bite-sized pieces for consistent taste and easy eating experience.
• Swap mozzarella with feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist or use plant-based alternatives for vegetarian options.
• Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for maximum flavor infusion, allowing herbs and dressing to marinate the ingredients thoroughly.

Variations to Switch Up Tortellini Salad

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace salami with grilled zucchini or roasted eggplant chunks for a meat-free version that maintains the Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini or rice-based pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Protein-Packed Upgrade: Add cooked chicken breast or crispy chickpeas to increase protein content and create a more substantial meal.
• Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh basil leaves to enhance the salad's Mediterranean essence and introduce more complex flavors.

What Goes Well with Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc that cuts through the rich salami and creamy mozzarella, enhancing the pasta salad's tangy vinaigrette.
• Complement with Herbed Focaccia: Serve a freshly baked herbed focaccia bread on the side to soak up the delicious dressing and add a crunchy texture contrast to the soft tortellini.
• Match with Sparkling Rosé: Choose a light, refreshing sparkling rosé that balances the salty salami and provides a bright, effervescent accompaniment to the Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Create a Citrus Spritzer: Prepare a light lemon-infused sparkling water with fresh mint to cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich pasta salad ingredients.

How to Store Tortellini Pasta Salad Fresh

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta salad chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

Avoid freezing this pasta salad as the mozzarella and fresh vegetables will lose texture and become watery when thawed. Freezing will compromise the quality of the dish.

Enjoy the salad cold straight from the refrigerator for the best taste. If you prefer it slightly warm, gently microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent uneven heating.

Before serving leftover pasta salad, give it a quick stir and add a splash of fresh olive oil to refresh the dressing and restore the original vibrant taste.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute tortellini with other filled pasta like ravioli or even penne for a similar texture and taste.

• Is this pasta salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time for lunches or quick dinners.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can replace salami with plant-based alternatives like vegetarian salami, roasted vegetables, or marinated tofu to keep the protein content high.

• How do I prevent the pasta from getting soggy?

Cook the tortellini al dente and rinse with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent mushy pasta.

Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 19 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Salami-mozzarella tortellini pasta salad brings Italian countryside charm to your summer table. Packed with zesty flavors and colorful ingredients, this quick dish offers a perfect blend of protein, cheese, and herb-infused goodness you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Cheese:

• 16 ounces (450 grams) tortellini pasta
• 8 ounces (225 grams) mozzarella cheese
• 4 ounces (115 grams) salami

Fresh Vegetables:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cucumber
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare tortellini in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until al dente, following package timing guidelines. Drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking process.
2. Cut salami and mozzarella into bite-sized uniform cubes for consistent texture and easy eating.
3. Slice cherry tomatoes into halves and dice cucumber into small, even pieces to ensure balanced flavor distribution.
4. In a spacious mixing vessel, gently combine cooled tortellini, salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, and cucumber.
5. Create zesty dressing by vigorously whisking olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until ingredients emulsify.
6. Pour dressing over pasta mixture, using a soft folding technique to coat ingredients thoroughly without breaking delicate components.
7. Cover and chill in refrigerator for 45-60 minutes, allowing flavors to intensify and meld together. This resting period enhances overall taste profile.
8. Before serving, give salad a quick gentle stir to redistribute dressing and ensure even coating of all ingredients.

Notes

• Chill thoroughly to enhance the blending of flavors, allowing the dressing to penetrate each ingredient deeply.
• Opt for high-quality, fresh mozzarella and premium salami to elevate the overall taste profile of the pasta salad.
• use gluten-free tortellini for celiac diets or replace salami with grilled chicken for a lighter protein option.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute salami with marinated artichoke hearts or roasted bell peppers to maintain the robust flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg