Tuscan Tortellini Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 bag cheese tortellini
20-ounce
- 1 English cucumber
cut into quarters and sliced
- 16 ounces cherry tomatoes
halved
- 1 orange bell pepper
chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped pepperoncini’s
- 1 can black olives
drained and halved, 6.0-ounce
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
cut into bite size pieces
- 8 ounces salami
chopped
- 1/2 cup light tasting olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 garlic cloves
minced
- to taste1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Directions
- 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to directions on the package. Drain and set add to a large serving bowl.
- 2
Meanwhile, combine dressing ingredients in a pint size mason jar. Seal and shake vigorously. Pour half of the dressing over the warm pasta and toss to combine.
- 3
Add the remaining salad ingredients to the bowl and toss until well coated. If serving immediately then toss with remaining dressing. If serving the next day then cover and refrigerate and wait until you are ready to serve the salad before tossing with remaining dressing.
Tuscan Tortellini Pasta Salad
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About this Recipe
Craving a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that's bursting with flavor? This Tuscan Tortellini Pasta Salad offers a delightful fusion of tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and savory ingredients, perfect for any gathering or a satisfying meal. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly at potlucks and picnics.
The genius of this recipe lies in using plump, tender cheese tortellini as its foundation, elevating it far beyond a typical pasta salad. Combined with a medley of crisp vegetables, savory salami, and fresh mozzarella, all tossed in a zesty, herbaceous dressing, this dish delivers an irresistible balance of textures and tastes. It’s a guaranteed hit that feels both hearty and refreshing.
Get ready for a harmonious blend of textures and tastes in every forkful. You'll experience the rich, savory pockets of tortellini perfectly complemented by the crisp freshness of English cucumber and the subtle sweetness of chopped orange bell pepper. Juicy cherry tomatoes and briny black olives add pops of flavor, while chopped pepperoncini’s introduce a pleasant tang and a hint of spice. The creamy bite-sized mozzarella balls and savory salami provide a satisfying depth, all brought together by a bright dressing featuring light tasting olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a touch of red pepper flakes.
This Tuscan Tortellini Pasta Salad is incredibly satisfying yet feels light enough for warmer weather. It's designed to be straightforward to assemble, making it an ideal choice when you need a substantial and flavorful dish without a lot of fuss.
Feel free to customize this delightful pasta salad to your liking. You could swap the salami for cubed pepperoni, grilled chicken, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian alternative. If you don't have an orange bell pepper, any color will work beautifully, or try adding some roasted red peppers for a smoky note. A handful of fresh basil or parsley would also brighten the flavor profile.
This salad is a fantastic centerpiece for casual gatherings, summer picnics, backyard barbecues, or as a vibrant side dish to grilled meats. Serve it thoroughly chilled to allow all the wonderful flavors to meld and truly shine.