The Salami Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad is a flavor-packed delight that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. With tender cheese-stuffed tortellini, savory salami, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella pearls all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing, this dish is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or meal prep.
This salad comes together in no time and only gets better as it chills in the fridge. It’s the kind of recipe that balances indulgence with freshness, offering satisfying bites that transport your taste buds to an Italian summer feast. Serve it as a main or a side — it’s always a hit!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini, cooked and cooled
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup mozzarella pearls
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1 cup sliced salami, cut into bite-size pieces
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1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
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1/4 cup black olives, sliced
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1/2 cup Italian dressing
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, sliced salami, red onion, basil, and black olives.
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Drizzle with Italian dressing and olive oil.
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Gently toss everything together until well coated.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Heart of Italian Comfort: Salami Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad
The Salami Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of rich Italian flavors and culinary simplicity. This recipe brings together beloved ingredients like cheese-stuffed tortellini, salty salami, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella pearls in a way that feels comforting yet elevated. Tossed in a zesty Italian dressing and chilled to perfection, it becomes a refreshing yet hearty meal ideal for warm weather gatherings, casual weeknight dinners, or meal prep for the week ahead.
Originating from the classic idea of antipasto platters—often found in Italian homes and trattorias—this pasta salad takes the core ingredients of cured meats and cheeses and wraps them in a more casual, accessible form. Tortellini, often filled with ricotta or a blend of cheeses, serves as the base, adding texture and richness. The pasta’s mildness pairs perfectly with the sharp and savory elements of the salami and the creamy bite of mozzarella pearls. The cherry tomatoes provide a burst of acidity and freshness, while the basil adds that aromatic punch that brings it all together.
Why This Dish Works So Well
There are a few key reasons why this pasta salad is a consistent crowd-pleaser. First and foremost, it hits multiple notes of flavor—salty, creamy, tangy, and herby. The balance is crucial, and this salad nails it without requiring complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
Texture is another area where this dish shines. You get the chewiness of the tortellini, the creamy snap of mozzarella, the slight crunch of onions, and the juicy pop from tomatoes—all tossed together in a harmonious, satisfying mix. Each bite feels varied and layered, yet cohesive.
Then there’s the versatility. This salad works as a standalone dish, a side at a BBQ, or even as an appetizer served in small cups or on skewers. You can serve it cold or at room temperature, making it ideal for travel or potlucks. And the best part? It actually gets better the longer it sits (up to a point), as the dressing soaks into the pasta and melds all the flavors together.
Customizing the Recipe for Your Needs
One of the most attractive features of this recipe is how easily it can be tailored to different preferences or dietary needs. Don’t eat pork? Swap out the salami for turkey or chicken sausage. Going vegetarian? Skip the meat entirely and bulk up with grilled zucchini, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers.
You can also mix up the cheese—try provolone cubes or shaved parmesan for a different flavor profile. The dressing, too, is open to interpretation. A classic vinaigrette works beautifully, but a creamy Caesar or pesto-based dressing can provide a richer alternative.
For those watching carbs, you might consider using a chickpea-based or high-protein pasta version of tortellini, now available in many grocery stores. And if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, there are some great gluten-free tortellini brands out there that still maintain the texture and taste you want in this dish.
Perfect Occasions to Serve This Dish
This salad is an MVP for just about any occasion. It’s ideal for:
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Picnics and outdoor gatherings: Since it’s meant to be served cold, there’s no worry about keeping it warm, and it won’t wilt like leafy greens.
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Potlucks and family get-togethers: It’s easy to double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd, and the flavor appeals to both kids and adults.
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Meal prepping: It stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days, making it a great choice for make-ahead lunches or quick dinners.
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Holiday feasts or Italian-themed nights: Paired with some crusty bread and a glass of red wine, it fits right in on a more formal table as a side or appetizer.
The Nutritional Balance
While the dish includes indulgent elements like cheese and salami, it also features fresh ingredients that balance out the richness. Tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs provide not just flavor but nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K. Using a homemade vinaigrette allows you to control sodium and added sugars, and opting for whole-grain or fiber-rich tortellini can improve the nutritional value even further.
For those keeping an eye on calories or fat, simply adjust the ratio of cheese and salami, or choose lighter versions. You still get all the satisfaction without compromising on your health goals.
A Great Introduction to Italian-Inspired Cooking
If you’re new to cooking Italian dishes or want something beginner-friendly that still wows, this recipe is a great starting point. It teaches basic prep techniques like boiling pasta, chopping veggies, and emulsifying dressing—all skills that carry over into more complex meals.
Because the ingredients are widely available and the process is straightforward, this salad can help build confidence in the kitchen. Yet it’s sophisticated enough to impress guests and looks beautiful on the table, especially when garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated parmesan.
Kids and Picky Eaters Will Love It Too
Thanks to the familiar ingredients and fun shapes of tortellini and mozzarella pearls, this salad is a hit with kids and picky eaters. You can let children help assemble it, which makes it a fun family activity. They’ll enjoy mixing, scooping, and even taste-testing the components. And when kids help make food, they’re often more excited to eat it.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The flavors in this salad deepen as it chills, making it a perfect make-ahead dish. After mixing, simply cover the bowl or transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will last 3 to 4 days without losing its texture or taste.
For best results, you can cook the tortellini a day ahead and store it separately with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Then, on the day you plan to serve it, just toss everything together with the dressing. If you’re worried about sogginess, add the dressing just before serving.
Conclusion
In a world of overcomplicated meals and overwhelming weeknight dinner decisions, the Salami Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad is refreshingly simple. It packs a flavorful punch with minimal effort, offers endless customization options, and fits beautifully into almost any occasion—from casual lunches to elegant dinner parties.
This dish reminds us that the best meals are the ones that bring people together around a table, filled with color, flavor, and just enough nostalgia to feel like home. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for the week, or contributing to a gathering, this pasta salad won’t just satisfy—it will shine.