This Antipasto Tortellini Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the best of Italian antipasto and hearty pasta. Tender cheese tortellini, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, roasted red peppers, and creamy mozzarella pearls create a beautiful combination of textures and flavors. Tossed in a tangy Italian dressing with fresh basil and parsley, every bite is a delicious burst of Mediterranean goodness. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal, this salad is incredibly easy to prepare yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Enjoy it as a side dish, a light lunch, or even a main course. Serve chilled for maximum flavor, and don’t forget to pair it with a crisp glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea for the ultimate Italian dining experience.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup green olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1/4 cup salami, diced
- 1/4 cup pepperoni, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/3 cup Italian dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, black olives, green olives, marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, mozzarella pearls, salami, pepperoni, red onion, basil, and parsley.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Perfect Fusion of Antipasto and Pasta
Antipasto Tortellini Salad is the ultimate combination of two beloved Italian traditions antipasto and pasta salad. Bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this dish brings together cheese-filled tortellini, fresh vegetables, cured meats, tangy olives, and creamy mozzarella, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. It’s a colorful, hearty, and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion.
The beauty of this salad lies in its balance of textures and flavors. The tortellini provides a tender bite, while the crisp vegetables add freshness and crunch. The olives and marinated ingredients bring in a briny richness, complementing the mild creaminess of mozzarella pearls. When everything is mixed together with a well-seasoned dressing, each bite becomes a delightful explosion of flavor.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for a summer barbecue, or an elegant dish for entertaining, Antipasto Tortellini Salad fits the bill perfectly. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal cooking, and is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Origins of Antipasto and Tortellini
To truly appreciate this dish, it’s important to understand its origins.
Antipasto is the traditional first course of an Italian meal. It typically consists of a variety of cured meats, marinated vegetables, olives, cheeses, and roasted red peppers. The word “antipasto” itself means “before the meal” in Italian, highlighting its role in whetting the appetite before the main course.
Tortellini, on the other hand, is a classic stuffed pasta from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. These small, ring-shaped pasta pockets are usually filled with cheese or meat and are often served in broth or with sauce. By incorporating tortellini into an antipasto-inspired dish, this salad transforms into a hearty and satisfying meal that stays true to Italian culinary traditions while offering a fresh and modern twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Bursting with Bold, Authentic Italian Flavors
Every bite of this salad is filled with Mediterranean-inspired goodness. The salty olives, creamy mozzarella, and tangy Italian dressing create a perfect harmony of flavors that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
2. Quick and Easy to Make
If you’re looking for a hassle-free dish that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this salad is the perfect choice. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or last-minute gatherings.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep and Gatherings
This salad can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours in the fridge. The flavors continue to develop, making it an excellent option for potlucks, picnics, and make-ahead lunches.
4. Customizable to Your Taste
One of the best things about Antipasto Tortellini Salad is that it’s highly adaptable. Whether you want to make it vegetarian, add more protein, or switch up the dressing, you can easily tweak it to suit your preferences.
How to Serve Antipasto Tortellini Salad
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- As a Side Dish – Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or seafood for a well-rounded meal.
- As a Main Course – The combination of tortellini, cheese, and meats makes this salad hearty enough to be a standalone dish.
- For Entertaining – Impress guests by serving this salad at dinner parties, picnics, or family gatherings.
- For Meal Prep – Pack it for work lunches or enjoy it throughout the week as a quick and flavorful meal option.
Since it’s served chilled or at room temperature, this dish is perfect for summer dining. It’s refreshing, light, and won’t weigh you down on hot days.
Customization Ideas for Antipasto Tortellini Salad
One of the reasons why this salad is so popular is its flexibility. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
Make it Vegetarian
Skip the salami and pepperoni and add more vegetables like grilled zucchini, roasted eggplant, or sun-dried tomatoes. Chickpeas or white beans can be a great source of plant-based protein.
Switch Up the Cheese
While mozzarella pearls are a classic choice, you can experiment with different cheeses like feta, provolone, or parmesan for a unique flavor profile.
Try a Different Dressing
Italian dressing is traditional, but you can mix things up with a balsamic vinaigrette, pesto dressing, or even a lemon-garlic dressing for a brighter, zesty kick.
Add More Protein
If you’re looking for a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tuna to make the salad even more filling.
Spice it Up
For a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes, spicy salami, or a drizzle of hot honey.
Tips for the Best Antipasto Tortellini Salad
To ensure that your salad turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Cook the Tortellini Al Dente – Overcooked tortellini can become mushy when mixed with the other ingredients. Be sure to cook it just until tender.
- Rinse with Cold Water – After boiling the pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep it from sticking together.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients – The best salads start with fresh, flavorful ingredients. Opt for high-quality olives, cheeses, and cured meats for the best taste.
- Let it Marinate – For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to absorb into the pasta and vegetables.
- Serve at the Right Temperature – While this salad is great straight from the fridge, letting it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving can enhance the flavors.
Conclusion:
Antipasto Tortellini Salad is a delicious, vibrant, and easy-to-make dish that brings together the best of Italian flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual weeknight dinner, a summer barbecue, or a holiday gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit.
With its rich combination of cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, marinated ingredients, and tangy dressing, it offers a satisfying balance of textures and flavors. Plus, its versatility makes it easy to customize based on dietary preferences and available ingredients.