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Italian Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad with Zesty Flavors for Every Occasion

Discover a vibrant Italian Pasta Salad that's refreshing and easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion or meal prep.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 9 ounces Cheese Tortellini Substitute with gluten-free tortellini if needed.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Can use grape tomatoes as a substitute.
  • 1 medium Cucumber Substitute with zucchini if preferred.
  • 1/2 medium Red Onion Substitute with green onions for a milder taste.
  • 1 cup Marinated Artichoke Hearts Use fresh artichokes if marinated are unavailable.
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives Substitute with green olives for a different taste.
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoncini Omit for a non-spicy version.
  • 1 cup Roasted Red Peppers Fresh bell pepper can be used as a substitute.
  • 6 ounces Salami Omit for a vegetarian version or replace with chickpeas.
  • 8 ounces Mozzarella Pearls Substitute with cubed mozzarella or a non-dairy option.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese Use nutritional yeast for a vegan substitution.
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil Substitute with parsley for a different flavor.
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup Olive Oil Use avocado oil as an alternative.
  • 3 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar Can substitute with apple cider vinegar.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Can omit or substitute with yellow mustard.
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Use maple syrup for a vegan option.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Use garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Fresh oregano can be used instead.
  • to taste Salt & Black Pepper Season to taste.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Medium-sized bowl
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the tortellini by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then adding the cheese tortellini. Cook according to package directions, typically around 7-10 minutes, until they float to the surface and are tender. Drain well and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and black pepper in a medium-sized bowl until smooth and emulsified.
  3. Combine the cooled tortellini with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, marinated artichoke hearts, black olives, pepperoncini, roasted red peppers, diced salami, mozzarella pearls, and chopped basil in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Dress the salad by pouring the prepared dressing over the tortellini and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until evenly coated, being careful not to squish the tortellini.
  5. Chill the salad covered with plastic wrap or a lid in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Toss gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Let the salad rest to enhance the flavors, swap ingredients as needed for a personal touch, and keep fresh ingredients for the best taste.

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