Name: Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb. tortellini pasta, cooked until tender and drained under cool water; 1 ½ cups thick sliced English cucumber; 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped; 1 (6 oz) can black olives, sliced and drained; ½ cup diced purple onion; 1 cup sliced salami, chopped; 8 oz cheddar cheese, cubed; 1 cup Italian salad dressing

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Introduction

This Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish perfect for warm days or as a flavorful side. Packed with colorful vegetables, salami, and cheese tossed in a zesty Italian dressing, it offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes.

The image shows a clear glass bowl filled with a colorful tortellini salad on a white marbled surface, with wooden spoons inside. The salad has multiple layers and ingredients: the base layer features folded pale yellow tortellini pasta with a soft, smooth texture, interspersed with slices of reddish-pink pepperoni that have a slightly oily look. There are also small cubes of orange-yellow cheddar cheese scattered throughout, adding a solid, blocky texture. Thin slices of black olives add dark circular accents, while bits of finely chopped purple onion and green pieces, likely green pepper or celery, are mixed in. A shiny, orange-red oily dressing coats parts of the salad, giving it a glossy, spiced finish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb. tortellini pasta (cooked until tender and drained under cool water)
1 ½ cups thick sliced English cucumber
1 red bell pepper (seeded and chopped)
1 6 oz can black olives (sliced and drained)
½ cup diced purple onion
1 cup sliced salami (chopped)
8 oz cheddar cheese (cubed)
1 cup Italian salad dressing

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini pasta, cucumber slices, chopped red bell pepper, black olives, diced purple onion, chopped salami, and cubed cheddar cheese.
Step 2: Pour the Italian salad dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Refrigerate the salad until ready to serve to let the flavors meld.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh tortellini or frozen varieties for the best texture; avoid overcooking the pasta to keep it firm.
Add chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra freshness.
Substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or provolone for a milder flavor.
Include additional veggies such as cherry tomatoes or artichoke hearts for more variety.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and should not be left at room temperature for extended periods.

How to Serve

A clear glass bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad shows multiple layers: the bottom layer has pale yellow tortellini and round pasta shapes mixed with dark black olive slices, red onion bits, and pieces of green cucumber; the middle layer includes thin slices of reddish salami and chunks of orange and white cheese; the top layer has yellow tortellini and bright red bell pepper pieces. A woman's hand is pouring an orange, slightly chunky dressing from a clear measuring cup over the salad. Two wooden spoons rest inside the bowl, and the whole scene is set on a wooden surface with a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, this salad actually benefits from sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight, as it allows the flavors to develop fully.

What type of tortellini works best?

Cheese-filled tortellini is recommended for a classic Italian taste, but you can also use meat or spinach-filled varieties depending on your preference.