Tortellini Salad

Tortellini salad is a vibrant satisfying Italian inspired salad that combines beauty with bold Mediterranean flavors to inspire gratification in every bite.

Course Salad

Cuisine Italian

Keyword How Do I Make Tortellini Salad, How To Make Tortellini Salad, Tortellini Salad, Tortellini Salad Recipe

Prep Time 40

Cook Time 14

Total Time 54

Servings serves

Calories 773kcal

Author Kathleen

Ingredients

Dressing:

1/3 cup reserved oil from marinated artichokes
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh garlic minced
1 1/2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Salad:

2 (20-ounce each) packages cheese-filled tortellini
1/2 cup red onion sliced
1 (6.5-ounce) jar marinated artichokes hearts, drained and oil reserved
8 ounces genoa salami, sliced into 1/4 inch strips
1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup pitted black olives, cut in half
1 cup pitted Italian green olives, cut in half
1/3 cup peperoncini peppers, sliced
1/3 cup peppadew peppers, sliced
1 large red bell pepper, julienned
2 (8-ounce) containers fresh mozzarella ball in water, drained and cut Into 1/2 inch cubes
10 ounces container grape tomatoes, cut in half

Topping:

1/4 fresh basil leaves, julienned
2 tablespoons-to 1/4 Cup Olive oil, optional

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a very large mixing bowl, whisk together the ingredients of the dressing until well combined. Set aside.
Cook the tortellini (2 packages) according to package directions and drain well.
While the pasta is still warm, toss it in the mixing bowl with dressing. Allow pasta to cool.
When dressed pasta has cooled to room temperature, add the rest of the salad ingredients to the pasta and toss well.
Refrigerate 6 hours, or even better, overnight.
Toss before serving, adjust seasoning, and add olive oil as needed. Topped with fresh basil and Serve

Notes

Cooking Pasta: Boiling the tortellini until just al dente is the best way to keep it from getting mushy. This should take approximately 7-9 minutes unless frozen or otherwise directed on the package. Al dente is an Italian term that literally means, "to the tooth". The consistency should be firm when bitten after cooking/
Toss It Warm: Combine ingredients for vinaigrette dressing and set aside while the tortellini is boiling. Immediately toss warm pasta into the homemade dressing and combine well. Let it cool to room temperature. This process will infuse all the tangy flavors of the vinaigrette into the tortellini pasta for a fresh burst of sunshine in every bite.

**Pro Tip: This recipe serves 12 people conservatively so if you aren’t feeding a large crowd, you can cut it in half. Making half a batch of tortellini salad provides some fabulous weekday lunches or even a tasty Mediterranean-style dinner that’s ready when you get home!

Nutrition