Oh my goodness, this Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad is an absolute game-changer! Imagine sinking your fork into tender, cheese-filled tortellini, surrounded by crispy salami, creamy mozzarella, and a burst of fresh, zesty flavors from a homemade dressing. Trust me, you’re going to love this! It’s like the perfect blend of savory, creamy, and fresh all in one bite. Whether you’re looking for an easy meal for yourself or a dish to bring to your next gathering, this pasta salad will steal the show.

Why You’ll Love Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad

This isn’t just a pasta salad; it’s an experience. Here’s why this recipe is a favorite:

Versatile:

This dish is perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a potluck with friends. You can even bring it to a BBQ, and you’ll instantly become everyone’s favorite guest. It’s adaptable for all types of events and makes a great make-ahead meal!

Budget-Friendly:

With ingredients you likely already have on hand, this pasta salad proves you don’t need to break the bank to create something delicious. Simple yet satisfying, it’s a dish that delivers on flavor without a hefty price tag.

Quick and Easy:

If you’re someone who loves effortless recipes, this one’s for you! With a few simple steps and minimal prep, you can have this dish on the table in no time. Plus, the pasta and toppings are a total crowd-pleaser.

Customizable:

Feel free to get creative! Add some olives for a briny kick, or swap out the salami for pepperoni if you’re in the mood for something a little spicier. The flavor possibilities are endless.

Crowd-Pleasing:

Whether it’s for a family dinner or a party, this pasta salad will be the first dish to disappear. Even picky eaters will appreciate the comforting, familiar flavors.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible salad. The ingredients may be simple, but the flavors? Oh, they’re anything but!

Cheese Tortellini:

These little pillows of cheesy goodness are the base of this salad, bringing in a satisfying, hearty texture.

Salami:

The savory, slightly spicy bite of salami adds a ton of flavor and makes this salad feel extra special.

Fresh Mozzarella:

For a creamy contrast, the mozzarella provides that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience and brings balance to the dish.

Cherry Tomatoes:

Juicy, sweet, and bursting with flavor—these tomatoes are a must for adding a bit of freshness to the salad.

Red Onion:

Thinly sliced, red onion brings a zesty, slightly sharp flavor that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.

Fresh Basil:

A touch of herbaceous freshness from basil brings this salad to life and adds a lovely pop of color.

Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar:

For the dressing, these two ingredients combine to create a simple yet flavorful base that perfectly complements the rest of the ingredients.

Garlic:

A little minced garlic goes a long way in adding depth to the dressing. It’s the secret ingredient that ties everything together.

Salt & Pepper:

Seasoning is key! Salt and pepper will enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients and bring everything into harmony.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps for making this fabulous pasta salad. Trust me, it’s as easy as it is delicious!

Cook the Tortellini:

Start by boiling your tortellini according to package instructions. Once done, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and help the pasta stay firm in the salad.

Prep the Veggies:

While the tortellini is cooking, slice your cherry tomatoes in half, thinly slice your red onion, and chop your fresh basil. These fresh ingredients will add so much color and flavor to your salad!

Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This dressing is what ties everything together—so simple yet so full of flavor.

Combine Everything:

In a large bowl, toss together the cooked tortellini, salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, onion, and basil. Drizzle the dressing over the top and give everything a good toss to coat. Make sure each bite gets that tasty, zesty dressing!

Chill (Optional):

For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. It allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, but you can totally dive in right away if you’re too hungry to wait!

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve this pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s the perfect side dish for any meal, or even a light, satisfying main course on its own.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

How to Serve Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is already a showstopper on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to take it to the next level:

Fresh Salads:

Pair it with a crisp green salad and a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the pasta salad.

Crusty Bread:

A side of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing. Think garlic bread or a baguette.

Grilled Vegetables:

Some grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus would complement the fresh, savory flavors of the pasta salad perfectly.

As a Standalone:

Honestly, this pasta salad is hearty enough to stand alone. Just serve it in a big bowl and watch it disappear!

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead:

This is a fantastic make-ahead dish. You can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge, letting the flavors marinate overnight.

Spice It Up:

If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a spicy dressing for an extra kick.

Dietary Adjustments:

For a vegetarian version, simply leave out the salami. You can even add in some roasted veggies or chickpeas for added protein.

Storage Tips:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir before serving!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute salami with another meat?
A1: Absolutely! Try using pepperoni, prosciutto, or even chicken if you want something different. Each will bring a unique flavor to the salad.

Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A2: Yes, it’s perfect for make-ahead meals! Just let it chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

Q3: How long can I store leftovers?
A3: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great to have on hand for lunch the next day!

Q4: Can I freeze this pasta salad?
A4: We don’t recommend freezing this one. The textures of the cheese and veggies might change once frozen.

Q5: How do I reheat the leftovers?
A5: This pasta salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no need to reheat—just enjoy as is!

Q6: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A6: Totally! The flavors are familiar, and kids will love the cheesy tortellini and salami. You can adjust the amount of onion or garlic if your kids are picky.

Q7: Can I add other vegetables?
A7: Definitely! You can toss in some cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives to mix things up.

Q8: Is this recipe good for a picnic?
A8: Yes! It’s perfect for picnics or potlucks since it holds up well and is easy to transport.

Q9: Can I make it spicier?
A9: Absolutely! Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing to kick up the heat.

Q10: What’s the best way to serve this?
A10: Serve it chilled in a big bowl or individual cups, garnished with extra basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch!

The Recipe: Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad