Name: Tortellini Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 17-20 ounces cheese tortellini (1 large package); ⅓ cup olive oil; ½ cup red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 clove garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 16 ounces grape tomatoes, halved (2 pints); 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (1 package); 1 cup chopped salami or summer sausage; 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped; ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers; ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped; ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley; ¼ cup chopped fresh basil; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Description

Tortellini Pasta Salad is a vibrant Italian-inspired dish that perfectly balances tender cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing. Ideal for potlucks, BBQs, or meal prepping, this flavorful salad is a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal. Its ease of preparation—ready in just 40 minutes—makes it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Packed with delicious ingredients like mozzarella, salami, and colorful veggies, this salad is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

17–20 ounces cheese tortellini (1 large package)
⅓ cup olive oil
½ cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
16 ounces grape tomatoes, halved (2 pints)
8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (1 package)
1 cup chopped salami or summer sausage
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Cook cheese tortellini according to package instructions; drain and refrigerate to cool.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Add halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, chopped salami, yellow bell pepper, pepperoncini peppers, red onion, parsley, and basil to the dressing; toss well.
Combine cooled tortellini with the salad mixture; toss gently until well mixed.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 360
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 540mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: For added flavor complexity, consider including olives or artichokes. Customize based on dietary preferences by omitting salami for a vegetarian option.