Description
A vibrant and refreshing Italian-inspired pasta salad that serves as the perfect centerpiece for any summer gathering. This dish combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with creamy mozzarella pearls, crisp cucumbers, sun-ripened tomatoes, and savory beef salami. The tangy dressing, infused with fresh basil and aromatic herbs, ensures every bite is flavorful. It is a crowd-pleasing, hearty salad that develops even richer flavors as it marinates, making it an ideal make-ahead party dish.
Ingredients
20 ounces cheese tortellini
16 ounces mozzarella ciliegine, halved
15 ounces artichoke hearts, quartered
8 ounces beef or turkey salami, diced
4 ounces black olives, sliced
24 cherry tomatoes, halved
1.5 cups Persian cucumbers, sliced
0.25 small red onion, slivered
0.33 cup fresh basil, slivered
0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
0.25 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon kosher salt (for boiling water)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt.
Boil the tortellini for 2 to 3 minutes until they float to the surface.
Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Transfer the cooled tortellini into a large serving bowl.
Add the mozzarella, artichoke hearts, salami, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion to the bowl.
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Italian seasoning to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
Fold in the fresh basil.
Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Substitute balsamic vinegar for red wine vinegar to ensure the dish remains alcohol-free. Marinating for at least 30 minutes is crucial for the flavors to penetrate the pasta. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 3
- Category: RECIPES
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 45mg