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Delicious Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad for Summer Fun

This Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is a vibrant dish perfect for summer gatherings, combining cheese tortellini, fresh veggies, and savory salami.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 package Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini Fresh or frozen works well
  • 4 oz Hard Salami Can be substituted with pepperoni or turkey
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Any seasonal tomato variety can be used
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper (any color) Roasted red peppers can be used
  • 1/2 cup Sliced Black Olives Omit for less saltiness
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Pearls Cubed mozzarella or feta can be substituted
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves Dried basil can be used for different flavor
  • 1/2 medium Red Onion Sweet onions are a milder alternative
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (optional) Nutritional yeast is a plant-based substitute
For the Italian Vinaigrette
  • 1/3 cup Olive Oil Avocado oil is a lighter substitute
  • 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can be used
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning Can use a mix of dried oregano and thyme
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves Can use garlic powder as an alternative
  • to taste Salt & Black Pepper Adjust according to personal preference

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • Medium-Sized Mixing Bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Tortellini: Boil salted water, add tortellini, and cook as per package instructions (3-5 minutes). Drain and cool.
  2. Prepare the Vinaigrette: Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper together. Set aside.
  3. Chop Vegetables and Salami: Dice bell pepper, halve cherry tomatoes, slice red onion, chop salami, and basil.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine tortellini, vegetables, salami, mozzarella, and olives. Add vinaigrette and toss gently.
  5. Chill the Salad: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Toss gently before serving, garnish with Parmesan if desired. Best enjoyed chilled.

Notes

For best flavor, cool tortellini fully and customize veggies based on seasonal availability.