Description
This vibrant Italian Pasta Salad, also known as Antipasto Salad, is a perfect blend of cheesy tortellini, fresh vegetables, savory salami, and tangy Italian dressing. Easy to prepare and full of flavors, it makes a refreshing side or a light meal that can be enjoyed immediately or chilled to enhance the taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 1 cup Italian Dressing (or 1 cup Homemade Italian Dressing)
Pasta
- 20 oz. cheese tortellini (refrigerated, 1 bag store-bought)
Vegetables & Add-ins
- 1 cucumber (sliced and quartered, seeded if desired)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 can black olives (6 oz. can, drained and halved)
- 1 roasted red pepper (chopped)
- ½ medium red onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 pepperoncini (chopped)
Cheese & Meats
- 1 cup mini bocconcini
- 1 cup deli salami (chopped)
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese (grated)
Herbs
- 2 tbsp fresh basil (julienned)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: If using homemade Italian dressing, make the dressing ahead and chill it in the refrigerator to ensure flavors meld well when added to the salad.
- Cook Tortellini: Boil the cheese tortellini in salted water following package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Toss Pasta with Dressing: Place the warm tortellini into a large mixing bowl. Pour half of the Italian dressing over it and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add Vegetables and Meats: Add the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, black olives, roasted red pepper, red onion, pepperoncini, mini bocconcini, deli salami, and fresh herbs (basil and parsley) to the bowl with the pasta. Mix well to combine.
- Finish with Remaining Dressing: Drizzle the remaining Italian dressing over the combined salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is well coated.
- Chill for Best Flavor: The salad can be served immediately, but for best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop and the tortellini to cool completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, optionally sprinkle additional grated parmesan, chopped basil, and parsley over the salad. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute store-bought Italian dressing with your homemade version for fresher taste.
- Feel free to seed the cucumber if you prefer less moisture in the salad.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavors and texture, but it can be served right after preparation.
- Use quality deli salami and fresh cheeses for the best antipasto experience.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days.
