Name: Salami Mozzarella Tortellini Salad: 5 Star Summer Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz cheese tortellini; 4 oz salami, diced; 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup black olives, sliced; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite summer salad: the Salami Mozzarella Tortellini Salad! It’s such a delightful blend of flavors and textures that just screams fresh and hearty all at once. I remember the first time I made it for a picnic; everyone was raving about how the tangy salami pairs so perfectly with the creamy mozzarella and tender tortellini. And those juicy cherry tomatoes? They add such a burst of freshness! Trust me, this salad is not just a side dish; it’s a star player on any table. You won’t be able to get enough!

Ingredients List

8 oz cheese tortellini (uncooked)
4 oz salami, diced
4 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare Salami Mozzarella Tortellini Salad

Cooking the Tortellini

First things first, let’s get that tortellini cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, and then add your 8 oz cheese tortellini. Follow the package instructions for cooking time, usually about 3-5 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it – it’s done when they start floating to the top and are tender to the bite. Once they’re perfect, drain them in a colander and give them a little rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool while you prep the other ingredients!

Mixing the Salad Ingredients

Now, grab a big mixing bowl – seriously, make sure it’s big enough because we’re about to toss in a lot of goodies! Start with your diced salami, cubed mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh basil. It’s like a colorful party in there! Gently mix everything together so the flavors start getting cozy.

Preparing the Dressing

In a smaller bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Feel free to get creative here; you could even add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for an extra flavor kick! Just whisk until it’s all combined and a little emulsified. You want it to be deliciously tangy!

Combining Everything

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add your cooled tortellini to that big bowl of salad goodness, and pour the dressing over everything. Gently toss it all together, making sure every little piece is coated in that tasty dressing. This is the moment where all those flavors meld together, and trust me, you’re going to be amazed!

Chilling the Salad

Once everything’s mixed, cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for about 30 minutes. This chilling time isn’t just for show; it really enhances the flavors, allowing them to mingle and develop. Plus, it makes the salad refreshingly cool and perfect for serving. So, sit back, relax, and let the fridge do its magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s super quick to make—perfect for those busy weeknights or unexpected guests!
Fresh flavors burst in every bite, thanks to the combination of salami, mozzarella, and ripe cherry tomatoes.
Hearty enough to be a stand-alone meal, yet light and refreshing for warm days.
Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or picnics—everyone loves it!
Customizable with your favorite veggies or herbs, so it never gets boring.
Gluten-free and packed with protein, making it a nutritious choice.
It can be made ahead of time, letting you enjoy your time with family and friends.

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your Salami Mozzarella Tortellini Salad turns out absolutely amazing! Here are my top tips:

Make it Ahead: This salad is actually even better if you let it chill for a few hours or even overnight. The flavors have more time to meld, and you’ll be the star of any gathering with minimal last-minute fuss!
Get Creative with Veggies: Don’t be shy! Feel free to toss in other fresh veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even spinach for an extra crunch and color. It’s like a canvas—paint it with your favorites!
Seasoning Matters: Taste as you go! Don’t hesitate to adjust the salt, pepper, or add a pinch of Italian seasoning to the dressing. You want it to be just right for your taste buds.
Keep it Fresh: If you’re making this for a potluck, I recommend waiting to add delicate ingredients like basil until just before serving. This keeps them vibrant and fresh!
Pairing Options: Consider pairing this salad with some crusty bread or a nice Italian wine. It elevates the whole experience and makes for a delightful meal.

With these tips, you’re all set to create a salad that’s not just tasty but also a hit among your friends and family!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for my Salami Mozzarella Tortellini Salad. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific brands and ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea:

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 12g

This salad is not only delicious but also packs a nutritious punch! It’s a great balance of protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying meal or side dish. Enjoy knowing you’re indulging in something tasty and wholesome!

FAQ Section

Got questions about my Salami Mozzarella Tortellini Salad? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and my answers to help you out:

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the salami and replace it with extra veggies or even some marinated artichokes for a flavor boost. You’ll still get that wonderful texture and taste!

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free tortellini! There are some great options available these days, so you can enjoy this salad without the gluten.

Can I use different cheese?

Of course! If you’re not a mozzarella fan, try using provolone or even feta for a tangy twist. Cheese is all about personal preference, so go with what you love!

How long can I store leftovers?

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Just know that the veggies may soften a bit, but it’ll still taste delicious!

Can I add other proteins?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, diced ham, or even chickpeas would be fantastic in this salad. It’s super versatile, so feel free to get creative!

What can I use instead of red wine vinegar?

If you don’t have red wine vinegar on hand, balsamic vinegar or even apple cider vinegar can work just fine. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but still delicious!

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep. Just make sure to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to keep everything fresh. It holds up great in the fridge!

I hope these answers help you whip up the best Salami Mozzarella Tortellini Salad! If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out or experiment—cooking is all about having fun!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now, let’s talk about how to keep your Salami Mozzarella Tortellini Salad fresh and delicious! If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), you’ll want to store them properly to maintain that scrumptious flavor and texture.

First off, transfer any leftover salad into an airtight container. This is key! It helps prevent the salad from absorbing any unwanted odors from your fridge and keeps it tasting fabulous. You can keep it stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just remember, the longer it sits, the softer those veggies may get, so try to enjoy it while it’s still fresh and colorful!

If you’re planning to eat it later, I recommend keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This way, your tortellini doesn’t get too soggy, and each bite stays as delightful as the first.

As for reheating, I wouldn’t actually recommend it for this salad. It’s best served cold or at room temperature to fully enjoy all the flavors! So, just take it out of the fridge, give it a little toss, and you’re good to go. However, if you insist on warming it up, you can gently microwave individual portions for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it—nobody likes warm salad, right?

With these storage tips, your Salami Mozzarella Tortellini Salad will stay as vibrant and tasty as when you first made it. Happy eating!

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and hearty salad featuring salami, mozzarella, and tortellini.

Instructions

Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
In a large bowl, combine the salami, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, and basil.
Add the cooled tortellini to the bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

This salad can be made ahead of time.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers.
For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning to the dressing.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Salami Mozzarella Tortellini Salad, Italian salad, pasta salad, tortellini salad

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