Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad

If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and satisfying, this Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad is a total winner. Imagine perfectly cooked tortellini tossed with savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy vinaigrette that brings everything together in the most delicious way. Each bite is a burst of Italian-inspired goodness, and the best part? It’s super easy to make and even better the next day—perfect for meal prep, picnics, or just a quick weeknight dinner. Trust me, this salad will quickly become one of your go-to recipes!

Why You’ll Love Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad

This salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a full-on crowd-pleaser that’s bursting with flavor. Here’s why you’ll want to make it ASAP:

Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this pasta salad comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s a no-fuss dish that still tastes incredibly fresh and satisfying.

Flavor-Packed: The combination of salami, mozzarella, and tortellini is absolutely irresistible. Add a zesty dressing, and you’ve got a dish that’s bursting with flavors from every angle.

Make-Ahead Friendly: It only gets better as it sits in the fridge, so it’s perfect for meal prepping or making in advance for a gathering. The flavors meld beautifully overnight.

Customizable: Feel free to tweak it to your taste! You can add in extra veggies, swap the salami for pepperoni or another deli meat, or try different cheeses—this salad is all about making it your own.

Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re bringing it to a BBQ, serving it as a light lunch, or enjoying it as a side dish for dinner, this salad fits every occasion and will always be a hit.

Ingredients

This pasta salad is packed with delicious ingredients that come together beautifully in every bite. Here’s what you’ll need:

Tortellini: The star of the show! Tender, stuffed tortellini adds texture and a delicious Italian flavor to the salad. You can use cheese or spinach-flavored tortellini depending on your preference.

Salami: Salty, savory slices of salami bring that perfect touch of flavor to the salad. It’s the perfect complement to the mozzarella and vinaigrette.

Mozzarella: Creamy mozzarella balls (or cubed mozzarella) provide a nice, mild contrast to the bold flavors of the salami. They melt beautifully into the salad.

Olives: Black or green olives add a nice briny flavor that balances out the richness of the cheese and salami.

Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and freshness to the salad.

Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onions provide a sharp, tangy crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy mozzarella and savory salami.

Herbs and Seasonings: Fresh basil or oregano, plus a pinch of salt and pepper, will elevate the flavors and give it that authentic Mediterranean taste.

Vinaigrette: A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and a touch of mustard ties everything together with a zesty, tangy finish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive into this flavorful pasta salad? Here’s how to make it:

Cook the Tortellini:

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package directions, usually for about 2-3 minutes. Drain the tortellini and let it cool slightly under cold running water or in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

Prepare the Veggies and Salami:

While the pasta is cooling, slice your salami into bite-sized pieces and cut the mozzarella into cubes (if using large mozzarella balls). Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the red onion thinly, and chop the olives.

Make the Vinaigrette:

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary—add more vinegar for tang, or a bit more mustard for flavor.

Combine the Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled tortellini, salami, mozzarella, olives, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Toss everything together to mix well.

Dress the Salad:

Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat evenly. You want every bite to be full of flavor, so make sure the dressing gets everywhere!

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano over the top, and give the salad one last gentle toss. Serve right away, or chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Serve and Enjoy:

This salad is perfect on its own for a light meal, or you can serve it as a side dish with grilled meats or a crusty loaf of bread.

How to Serve Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

Grilled Meats: Serve it with grilled chicken, steak, or sausages for a full meal that’s satisfying and full of flavor.

Fresh Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or some garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any leftover dressing.

Crisp Greens: Pair it with a light green salad to add even more freshness to your meal. A simple arugula or spinach salad works wonderfully.

Additional Veggies: Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli are excellent side dishes to serve with this salad for a more balanced meal.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this salad:

Cook the Tortellini Al Dente: Make sure you cook the tortellini just until al dente to avoid it becoming too soft and mushy in the salad.

Make It Ahead: This salad gets better as it sits! Make it a day ahead of time and store it in the fridge for the flavors to develop.

Swap Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the salami for pepperoni, turkey, or even grilled chicken if you prefer. You can also mix in other veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick toss before serving again.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! If you prefer a different type of pasta, you can use penne, rotini, or farfalle. Just make sure to cook it al dente.

Q2: Can I add more veggies to this pasta salad?
A2: Yes! Feel free to add any veggies you like. Cucumbers, bell peppers, or even roasted zucchini would all be great additions.

Q3: Can I make this salad vegetarian?
A3: Absolutely! Just leave out the salami and add some extra veggies or a different protein like chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version.

Q4: Can I make the dressing in advance?
A4: Yes, you can make the vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick whisk before adding it to the salad.

Q5: How long will this pasta salad last in the fridge?
A5: It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container. It’s even better the next day when the flavors have had more time to mingle!

This Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad is about to become your new go-to dish for casual get-togethers, lunch, or even meal prep. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with delicious flavors that everyone will love.

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