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Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

Zesty Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad for Summer Gatherings

This Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of cheese-filled tortellini, savory meats, fresh veggies, and homemade basil pesto vinaigrette, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 375

Ingredients
  

Vinaigrette
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto store-bought can work
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Calabrian chili paste optional for spice
Salad
  • 18 ounces fresh tortellini ideally cheese-filled
  • to taste sea salt for boiling pasta
  • 3 ounces hard salami can substitute with prosciutto
  • 3 ounces pepperoni or other deli meats
  • 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 small red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup pepperoncini or bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup Italian olives halved
  • 8 ounces mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds
  • 2 handfuls baby arugula about 2 ounces
  • 1/4 cup crumbled Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the basil pesto, white wine vinegar, and olive oil until well blended. Add chili paste if desired for heat.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add sea salt. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions, approximately 3-5 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled tortellini with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pepperoncini. Add olives, mozzarella, salami, and pepperoni; gently toss to mix.
  4. Fold in baby arugula and drizzle with vinaigrette. Toss gently to coat, then let sit for a few minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 375kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Chill before serving for best flavor. Keep arugula separate until serving to maintain freshness.

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