Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

1 Recipe Italian Dressing

1 20 oz. bag refrigerated cheese tortellini

1 cucumber peeled, sliced and quartered

1 pint cherry tomatoes halved

1 6 oz.can black olives drained and halved

1 orange bell pepper chopped

2 tablespoons chopped pepperoncini

8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls quartered

8 oz. sliced salami chopped

Optional: feta cheese, Parmesan, parsley

Instructions:

Prepare Italian Dressing according to directions. Refrigerate until ready to use then shake or whisk to recombine before using.

Cook tortellini in salted water according to package directions. Rinse with cool water, drain and add to a large serving bowl. Pour half of the dressing over the warm pasta and toss to combine. Add the remaining salad ingredients to the tortellini.

If serving within the hour: toss with desired amount of remaining dressing. Although you can serve salad immediately, I highly recommend refrigerating for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld and salad to chill.

If serving later: Gently toss ingredients to combine but do NOT add remaining dressing yet. Cover and refrigerate. When you are ready to serve, toss with desired amount of remaining dressing. This salad is excellent the next day.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated for this pasta salad?

While fresh refrigerated tortellini is recommended, you can use frozen tortellini as well.

Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

How long can I store the Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad in the refrigerator?

The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Ensure it is covered to maintain freshness.

Can I substitute the salami with another type of meat or make it vegetarian?

Yes, you can customize the salad by substituting salami with other meats like grilled chicken or turkey, or omitting it for a vegetarian version.

What other vegetables can I add to the pasta salad for extra freshness?

You can add vegetables like red onions, artichoke hearts, or spinach for extra freshness and variety.

Customize based on your preferences.

Is it necessary to rinse the cooked tortellini with cool water before adding to the salad?

Yes, rinsing the cooked tortellini with cool water helps stop the cooking process and prevents the pasta from sticking together.

Can I use store-bought Italian dressing instead of making it from scratch?

Yes, you can use store-bought Italian dressing if you’re short on time.

Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences.

Can I make the Italian Dressing in advance and store it separately?

Yes, you can prepare the Italian Dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Shake or whisk it before using to recombine the ingredients.

What is the best way to cut and quarter the mozzarella balls for the salad?

Use a sharp knife to quarter the fresh mozzarella balls.

Alternatively, you can buy pre-cut mozzarella pearls.

Are there any gluten-free options for the tortellini in this recipe?

Yes, there are gluten-free tortellini options available in many grocery stores.

Choose a gluten-free alternative to suit dietary preferences.

Can I add grilled vegetables to enhance the smoky flavor of the salad?

Yes, grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers can add a smoky flavor to the salad.

Ensure they are cooled before adding to the mix.