Description
This vibrant Tortellini Pasta Salad combines tender tortellini with fresh mozzarella, sundried tomatoes, baby spinach, colorful bell peppers, salami, and Kalamata olives, all tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet balsamic vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 oz. tortellini (frozen or refrigerated)
- 8 oz. mozzarella pearls (about 1 ½ cups)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 7 oz. sundried tomatoes (drained, chopped, & patted dry)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 cups diced bell pepper (red and green)
- 1 cup chopped salami (can substitute pepperoni)
- ½ cup finely diced red onion
- ¾ cup Kalamata olives
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all dressing ingredients—extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper—in a mini food processor or a jar with a lid. Blend or shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified. Cover and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
- Boil the tortellini according to the package instructions, making sure not to overcook them to maintain their texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Add half a cup of the prepared dressing to the warm tortellini. Using a silicone spatula, gently mix to coat the pasta evenly. Allow the pasta to cool for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors before adding the remaining ingredients.
- Add mozzarella pearls, sundried tomatoes, baby spinach, diced bell peppers, chopped salami, red onion, Kalamata olives, and grated Parmesan cheese to the cooled tortellini. Pour up to an additional half cup of dressing over the mixture and gently toss everything until well combined.
- Refrigerate the salad for 2-3 hours to let all the flavors marry. Before serving, drizzle with any remaining dressing if desired for extra tang and moisture.
Notes
- Perfect for picnics and potlucks.
- Can be served as a side dish or light meal.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and Refrigeration
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Tortellini Pasta Salad, Mediterranean Salad, Summer Salad