Description
A vibrant and flavorful Tuscan Tortellini Salad combining tender tortellini, savory salami, fresh spinach, mozzarella balls, black olives, and sundried tomatoes, all tossed in a fragrant balsamic and herb dressing. Perfect for a satisfying meal or a delightful side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 20 ounces fresh or frozen tortellini
Salad Ingredients
- 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
Dressing
- 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
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until tender. Once cooked, drain well and transfer the tortellini to a large serving bowl.
- Prepare the Dressing: While the tortellini is cooking, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, dried oregano, dried thyme, minced garlic, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Toss Tortellini with Dressing: Pour half of the dressing over the warm tortellini in the serving bowl. Gently toss to coat the pasta evenly, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
- Add Salad Ingredients: Add the fresh spinach, sliced salami, black olives, mozzarella balls, sundried tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves to the bowl with tortellini. Toss all ingredients together until well mixed and coated with the dressing.
- Finishing Touches: If serving immediately, drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and toss once more for extra flavor. If preparing ahead, cover the salad and refrigerate. Add the remaining dressing and toss gently just before serving for optimal freshness and taste.
Notes
- Use fresh tortellini for best texture, but frozen or store-bought are good alternatives.
- Adjust red chili flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder salad.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute salami with grilled vegetables or additional mozzarella.
- This salad tastes best when served chilled or at room temperature.
- Make the salad a few hours ahead to allow flavors to meld, but add the last dressing portion just before serving to maintain brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Tuscan tortellini salad, tortellini salad recipe, Italian pasta salad, salami salad, sundried tomato salad, easy tortellini salad, cold pasta salad
