Dinner

Tuscan Tortellini Salad Recipe

Name: Tuscan Tortellini Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 20 ounces fresh or frozen tortellini; 1 cup fresh spinach; 8 ounces salami, sliced; 1 cup black olives, sliced; 1 cup mozzarella balls; 1 cup oil-packed sundried tomatoes, sliced; 1 cup fresh basil leaves; 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup balsamic glaze; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste); Salt and pepper, to taste

ByHugo Harnd April 24, 2026April 24, 2026

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Introduction

Tuscan Tortellini Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta with fresh greens, savory salami, and creamy mozzarella. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or a delightful side dish, offering a delicious mix of textures and Italian-inspired flavors.

The image shows a close-up of a white plate filled with a colorful pasta dish. The dish has three main layers: a base of yellow tortellini pasta with folds and creases, topped with bright green fresh spinach leaves and basil, and mixed with thin, curled slices of reddish-pink salami. Scattered throughout are small white mozzarella balls, black olive slices, and sun-dried tomatoes adding red and dark contrast. The whole dish is drizzled with a glossy dark balsamic glaze, giving a shiny and rich look. Two silver forks rest on the edge of the plate, which is placed on a white marbled surface, with a small white plate of sun-dried tomatoes in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

20 ounces fresh or frozen tortellini
1 cup fresh spinach
8 ounces salami, sliced
1 cup black olives, sliced
1 cup mozzarella balls
1 cup oil-packed sundried tomatoes, sliced
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic glaze
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and transfer the tortellini to a large serving bowl.
Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, dried oregano, dried thyme, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Pour half of the dressing over the warm tortellini and toss gently until the pasta is well coated.
Step 3: Add the fresh spinach, salami, black olives, mozzarella balls, sundried tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and minced garlic to the bowl. Toss all the ingredients together until evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 4: If serving immediately, toss the salad with the remaining dressing just before serving. For later service, cover the salad and refrigerate it, adding the remaining dressing just before serving to keep the flavors fresh.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute salami with grilled vegetables or artichoke hearts.
Use fresh tortellini for a more tender texture, but frozen works just as well.
Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavors if desired.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if you prefer the salad less dressed and toss just before serving. When ready to eat, bring the salad to room temperature or eat chilled; it does not require reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with three layers of colorful ingredients starting from the bottom with creamy yellow tortellini pasta, followed by a layer of bright green fresh spinach leaves and basil, and topped with folded slices of reddish-brown salami, small white mozzarella balls, black olive slices, and sun-dried tomatoes. A glossy dark brown balsamic glaze is drizzled over the entire dish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some scattered green basil leaves and a white cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried tortellini instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, you can use dried tortellini but be sure to cook it according to package instructions and drain well before adding to the salad. The texture will be firmer compared to fresh or frozen versions.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad holds up well for a day or two in the fridge, especially if you keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. It makes a convenient and tasty meal prep option.