Looking for the best side dishes that are easy to prepare and delicious? This Italian Tortellini Salad checks all the boxes! Made with tortellini and loaded with salami, fresh mozzarella, and marinara sauce, it's a flavorful recipe that’s versatile and convenient.
Cold tortellini salad is great for busy evenings since you can prepare the tortellini the day before and add the other ingredients right before serving. If you love these flavors, check out Baked Tortellini With Meat Sauce.
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Whether you're looking for party appetizer ideas or need something quick and satisfying for dinner, this tortellini salad will be a hit with everyone.
Cold Tortellini Salad
The Italian Tortellini Salad pairs tortellini with savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce to create a flavorful side dish or appitizer that never disappoints. If you're busy, you will love how this can be prepared in advance, making mealtime a breeze.
What I love about this dish is that it is very versatile. As long as you start with a base of quality tortellini and sauce, you can add a variety of things from your refrigerator. Sun dried tomatoes, olives, fresh basil, onions or peppers would make great additions.
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Tortellini Recipes
Tortellini are little shapes of pasta dough that come stuffed with various yummy fillings like cheese, spinach, or meat, so there's something for every taste. You can use them in everything from hearty soups and pasta bakes to refreshing salads. Here are some of our favorite tortellini recipes:
Ingredients For Italian Tortellini Salad
- Tortellini: Forms the base of the salad. I used dried tortellini, but you can use fresh tortellini as well. Just follow the cooking directions on the package.
- Marinara sauce: Adds a tangy, robust flavor and ties everything together.
- Salami: Brings a savory, slightly salty taste.
- Fresh mozzarella: Provides a creamy texture and mild, rich flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish.
How To Make Tortellini Salad Recipe
Cook tortellini according to package directions. When it is done, drain and return to the pot. Add marinara sauce to the tortellini. Stir and heat until the sauce has warmed. Allow to cool and use in the recipe or store, covered, in the refrigerator overnight.
Whenever you are ready to serve the salad, cut up the salami into small bite-sized pieces and cut the mozzarella into small chunks. Take the tortellini out of the refrigerator and place it in a large bowl. Add the salami and mozzarella and mix until thoroughly combined.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and serve.
Tips For Making Italian Tortellini Salad
Tip 1: Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, but remove them from heat when they’re al dente. Overcooked tortellini can break apart when you mix the salad.
Tip 2: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a flavor boost and some extra color.
Tip 3: This salad tastes even better made ahead of time. The flavors meld together as it chills, so consider preparing it a few hours before serving.
FAQs For Tortellini Salad With Salami
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Yes, you can use other bite-sized pasta like bowtie or penne, but tortellini adds a flavorful filling that makes the salad even better.
If salami is not your thing, try crisp, crumbled bacon, grilled chicken, or a plant-based meat option to make it vegetarian.
Pasta Salad Recipes
Pasta salads are a go-to for parties or any occasion because they’re simple to make and can be customized for any taste. They are easy to take to a party and can serve a crowd with little effort, making them the perfect dish for gatherings.
- Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
- Hot Honey Pasta Salad Recipe
- Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe
- Creamy Bacon Tomato Pasta Salad
Pasta Salad Kitchen Essentials
To make and serve a pasta salad, you’ll need just a few basic tools that are usually already in most kitchens. A large pot is essential for boiling the pasta; a colander helps with quick and easy draining. For mixing and serving, you'll want a big bowl and tongs or serving spoons.
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Italian Tortellini Salad is a simple, flavorful dish that can be used as a side dish or an appetizer. You can make it ahead for busy days and easily switch ingredients for a new taste!
📖 Recipe
Italian Tortellini Salad
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Ingredients
- 12 oz tortellini
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 12 slices salami
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Drain and then return it to pot.
- Add the sauce to the tortellini in the pot. Stir and heat until the sauce has warmed. Allow the sauced tortellini to cool and use it in the recipe or store it covered in a container, in the refrigerator overnight.
- Whenever you are ready to serve the salad, cut up salami into small bite sized pieces and cut the mozzarella into small chunks.
- Place tortellini in a large bowl. Add the salami and mozzarella and stir.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top and serve.
Notes
- Cook up the tortellini according to the package but don’t take them off the heat as soon as they’re al dente. Nobody wants mushy tortellini falling apart in their salad!
- To kick up the flavor, toss in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
- This salad gets even tastier if you make it ahead of time. A few hours in the fridge lets all those flavors come together, so go ahead and prep it early if you can!
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