Description
This Italian Pasta Salad, also known as Antipasto Salad, is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, savory salami, and a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light meal, this salad is easy to prepare in about 25 minutes and serves 12 people. Chilling it enhances the flavors, making it a refreshing and satisfying dish for warm weather or any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup Italian Dressing (or 1 cup Homemade Italian Dressing)
- 20 oz. cheese tortellini (bag refrigerated, 1 bag store-bought)
- 1 cucumber (sliced and quartered, seeded if desired)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 can black olives (6 oz. can, drained and halved)
- 1 roasted red pepper (chopped)
- ½ medium red onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 pepperoncini (chopped)
- 1 cup mini bocconcini
- 1 cup deli salami (chopped)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil (julienned)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tsp fresh basil (chopped) (for garnish)
- 1 tsp fresh parsley (chopped) (for garnish)
Optional garnish
- Additional grated parmesan
- Additional fresh basil
- Additional fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: If making homemade Italian dressing, prepare it in advance and set it aside in the refrigerator to chill and meld flavors.
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions until tender. Drain, rinse with cool water to stop cooking and remove excess starch, then drain well.
- Toss with Dressing and Ingredients: Place the warm tortellini in a large bowl and pour half of the Italian dressing over it. Toss gently to coat. Add the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, black olives, roasted red pepper, red onion, pepperoncini, mini bocconcini, deli salami, fresh basil, fresh parsley, and parmesan cheese to the bowl.
- Combine and Chill: Pour the remaining dressing over the entire salad and toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to chill and allow flavors to develop.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with additional grated parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, and parsley. Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing Italian pasta salad.
Notes
- Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor and allows tortellini to cool completely.
- You can substitute store-bought Italian dressing or use a homemade recipe for a fresher taste.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the deli salami or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; toss gently before serving if stored.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference, such as adding artichoke hearts or bell peppers.
