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Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

A vibrant and delicious Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad packed with flavors, perfect for potlucks or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Calabrian chili paste (optional)
  • 18 ounces fresh tortellini (cheese-filled)
  • Sea salt
  • 3 ounces hard salami (sliced)
  • 3 ounces pepperoni (sliced)
  • 1½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini
  • 1/2 cup halved Italian olives
  • 8 ounces mozzarella pearls
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 2 handfuls baby arugula (about 2 ounces)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Cook the tortellini in salted boiling water according to package instructions, about 3-5 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. Prepare the dressing by whisking together basil pesto, white wine vinegar, olive oil, and Calabrian chili paste if using. Adjust seasoning with sea salt.
  3. Chop cherry tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, and slice salami and pepperoni.
  4. Combine the cooled tortellini with the chopped vegetables and meats in a large mixing bowl.
  5. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat the ingredients.
  6. Fold in the arugula, mozzarella pearls, and pepperoncini, and reserve some basil and Parmesan for serving.
  7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan.

Notes

This salad can be made ahead of time and tastes better as it sits, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, Italian salad, tortellini