Go Back
italian-tortellini-pasta-salad-recipe_feature

Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe - Classic Beef Salami Tortellini Bowl

This vibrant Italian tortellini pasta salad brings together Mediterranean flavors with cheese-filled tortellini, fresh vegetables, savory beef salami, and a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, it comes together in just 30 minutes and works equally well as a main course or side dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 20 oz cheese tortellini
  • 8 oz beef salami, cubed
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions (7-9 minutes). Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  2. While the tortellini cooks, prepare vegetables and meat. Cube the beef salami, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and honey. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Add beef salami, mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and fresh herbs to the bowl with cooled tortellini. Pour dressing over everything and toss gently to combine.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Use high-quality cheese tortellini for best results. Don't skip the chilling time - flavors develop beautifully as salad rests. For vegetarian version, omit beef salami and add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or chickpeas. Keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.