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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Cut salami and mozzarella into bite-sized uniform cubes for consistent texture and easy eating.
- Slice cherry tomatoes into halves and dice cucumber into small, even pieces to ensure balanced flavor distribution.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, gently combine cooled tortellini, salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, and cucumber.
- Create zesty dressing by vigorously whisking olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until ingredients emulsify.
- Pour dressing over pasta mixture, using a soft folding technique to coat ingredients thoroughly without breaking delicate components.
- Cover and chill in refrigerator for 45-60 minutes, allowing flavors to intensify and meld together. This resting period enhances overall taste profile.
- 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