Description
A flavorful and hearty Meaty Tortellini Salad featuring cheese tortellini combined with diced ham, salami, fresh vegetables, mozzarella cheese, and tossed in zesty Italian dressing. Perfectly chilled before serving, this salad is an ideal make-ahead dish for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1 cup diced salami
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Dressing
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes until tender. Drain the tortellini and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced cooked ham, diced salami, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, diced red bell pepper, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped red onion, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir gently to combine.
- Add Tortellini: Add the cooled tortellini to the bowl with the other ingredients and toss gently to evenly distribute all components.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Once chilled, give the salad a final gentle toss and serve cold as a delicious main or side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey or grilled chicken for the ham and salami if preferred for a different protein option.
- For fresher flavor, use a homemade Italian dressing instead of store-bought.
- This salad is perfect for making ahead and can be stored tightly covered in the fridge for up to 2 days without losing flavor or texture.
