Description
This Italian Pasta Salad, also known as Antipasto Salad, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines cheese tortellini with fresh vegetables, deli meats, and a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for a quick and easy meal or a party side, it’s best served chilled to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 20 oz. cheese tortellini (1 bag, refrigerated)
- 1 cucumber, sliced and quartered, seeded if desired
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can black olives (6 oz.), drained and halved
- 1 roasted red pepper, chopped
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 pepperoncini, chopped
- 1 cup mini bocconcini
- 1 cup deli salami, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, julienned
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Dressing
- 1 cup Italian Dressing (or 1 cup Homemade Italian Dressing)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: If making homemade Italian dressing, prepare it according to your recipe and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook the tortellini: Bring salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
- Combine pasta and dressing: Place the warm tortellini in a large bowl, pour half of the Italian dressing over it, and toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add remaining ingredients: Add cucumber, cherry tomatoes, black olives, roasted red pepper, red onion, pepperoncini, mini bocconcini, chopped salami, fresh basil, parsley, and grated parmesan to the bowl with pasta. Pour the remaining dressing over the salad.
- Toss and chill: Toss the salad thoroughly to combine all ingredients and ensure even coating with dressing. For best flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the tortellini to fully cool.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with additional grated parmesan and chopped fresh basil and parsley. Serve chilled and enjoy your refreshing Italian Pasta Salad.
Notes
- You can substitute store-bought Italian dressing or use your favorite homemade recipe.
- Make sure to rinse the tortellini with cold water after cooking to prevent it from sticking and to cool it down for the salad.
- This salad can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator to enhance flavors.
- For added protein, consider adding cooked chicken or extra salami slices.
- Adjust the amount of dressing to your taste; some prefer a lighter coating while others enjoy a more dressed salad.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor impact.
