Salami Mozzarella Tortellini Salad: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Any Occasion

Salami Mozzarella Tortellini Salad is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of Italy in a refreshing and satisfying way. As I prepared this salad, I couldn’t help but think about the cultural significance of tortellini, which has been a beloved staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. This dish not only showcases the delicious combination of salami and mozzarella but also highlights the versatility of tortellini, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.

People love Salami Mozzarella Tortellini Salad for its incredible taste and texture. The chewy tortellini pairs beautifully with the savory salami and creamy mozzarella, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, it’s a convenient dish that can be whipped up in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing potluck option. Join me as we dive into this delightful recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household!

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cheese tortellini
• 4 ounces salami, diced
• 4 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, halved
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Tortellini

First things first, let’s get that tortellini cooked. It’s the base of our salad and will soak up all those delicious flavors.

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. I usually add about a tablespoon of salt to the water; it helps flavor the pasta.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes, until they float to the top and are tender.
3. Once cooked, drain the tortellini in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps to cool them down for the salad.
4. Set the tortellini aside in a large mixing bowl to cool completely.

Preparing the Salad Ingredients

While the tortellini is cooling, let’s chop up all the other ingredients. This is where the salad really comes to life!

1. Dice the salami into bite-sized pieces. I like to use a good quality salami for the best flavor.
2. Take the fresh mozzarella balls and cut them in half. If you can find the small bocconcini, they work perfectly!
3. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half. They add a nice burst of sweetness to the salad.
4. Slice the black olives. I prefer Kalamata olives for their rich flavor, but any black olives will do.
5. Finely chop the red onion. If you find raw onion too strong, you can soak the chopped onion in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the flavor.
6. Chop the fresh basil leaves. I love the aroma of fresh basil; it really elevates the dish!

Making the Dressing

Now that we have all our ingredients prepped, it’s time to whip up a simple dressing that ties everything together.

1. In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. I usually use a 2:1 ratio of oil to vinegar for a balanced flavor.
2. Add the dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. I like to start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, then adjust as needed.
3. Whisk the dressing together until it’s well combined. You can also shake it in a jar if you prefer!

Assembling the Salad

Now comes the fun part—putting everything together! This is where you can really customize the salad to your liking.

1. In the bowl with the cooled tortellini, add the diced salami, halved mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, chopped red onion, and chopped basil.
2. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Make sure to coat everything evenly; I like to use a spatula to gently toss the salad.
3. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes a little extra salt or a splash more vinegar can make a big difference!
4. Once everything is well mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Serving the Salad

After the salad has chilled, it’s ready to serve! Here’s how I like to present it:

1. Give the salad a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
2. Transfer the salad to

   

   Conclusion:

   In summary, this Salami Mozzarella Tortellini Salad is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their meal game with minimal effort. The combination of savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and tender tortellini creates a delightful medley of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing. Not only is it a perfect dish for a quick lunch or a light dinner, but it also shines as a crowd-pleasing side at picnics, potlucks, or barbecues.

   For serving suggestions, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh basil or a handful of arugula for an extra layer of freshness. You can also switch things up by incorporating other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, olives, or even grilled vegetables to customize the salad to your liking. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, allowing you to make it your own!

   I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Salami Mozzarella Tortellini Salad a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s celebrate the joy of cooking together!

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   Salami Mozzarella Tortellini Salad: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Any Occasion

   This vibrant Tortellini Salad features tender cheese tortellini, savory salami, fresh mozzarella, and a colorful mix of vegetables, all tossed in a zesty dressing. It's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch, offering a delicious and easy-to-make dish that everyone will enjoy!

   Prep Time15 minutes

   Cook Time5 minutes

   Total Time50 minutes

   Category: Lunch

   Yield: 4-6 servings

   Save This Recipe

   Ingredients

   • 8 ounces cheese tortellini
   • 4 ounces salami, diced
   • 4 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, halved
   • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
   • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
   • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
   • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
   • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
   • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
   • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
   • Salt and pepper to taste

   Instructions

   1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   2. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions (3-5 minutes) until they float and are tender.
   3. Drain the tortellini and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside in a large mixing bowl to cool completely.
   4. Dice the salami into bite-sized pieces.
   5. Halve the fresh mozzarella balls.
   6. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
   7. Slice the black olives.
   8. Finely chop the red onion.
   9. Chop the fresh basil leaves.
   10. In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar.
   11. Add the dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
   12. Whisk until well combined.
   13. In the bowl with the cooled tortellini, add the diced salami, halved mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, chopped red onion, and chopped basil.
   14. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
   15. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
   16. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
   17. Toss the salad gently before serving.
   18. Transfer to a serving bowl or individual plates.
   19. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.

   Notes

   • For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and add more vegetables or chickpeas for protein.
   • This salad can be made a day in advance; the flavors will deepen as it sits.
   • Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients, such as bell peppers or artichokes.