Antipasto Tortellini Salad

I’ve been making this Antipasto Tortellini Salad a lot lately. It’s salty, tangy, and full of things I actually want to eat, but it still feels light. Perfect for a quick dinner or bringing to a BBQ.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I know, another pasta salad, but hear me out. This one’s loaded with all the good stuff: tortellini, salami, mozzarella, and a quick homemade dressing that actually makes it taste like something you’d want to eat on a random Tuesday or at your next BBQ.

It’s super easy, has no weird ingredients, and is somehow even better after sitting in the fridge for a bit. I’ve been making it on repeat for dinner, meal prep, and anytime I need something to bring to a cookout.

It’s super customizable so you can easily make it your own. Try tossing in some sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even prosciutto.

And if you’re as into pasta salads as I am, you’ve got to check out my Pesto Orzo Salad and Caprese Tortellini Salad, too.

Ingredients

• Tortellini: I recommend fresh cheese tortellini for this salad, but frozen works too. You can find fresh tortellini in your grocery store’s refrigerated section.
• Genoa Salami: You can use salami slices, or cut a salami chub into bite-sized pieces.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Use mini mozzarella balls or cut a large mozzarella ball into bite-sized pieces. I like to use ciliegine and cut them in half.
• Artichoke Hearts: Canned artichoke hearts make it super easy.
• Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes are a must in this recipe. Quarter them to make them the same size as the other ingredients.
• Pepperoncini: Jarred chopped pepperoncini.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Use jarred or make your own roasted peppers in the oven.
• Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, and Seasonings: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, a clove of garlic, Italian seasoning, and some honey.
• Fresh Basil: Top with fresh basil for some added color and flavor. (optional)

*The full ingredient list with amounts is in the recipe card below.

How to Make Antipasto Tortellini Salad

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water until cooled, about 1-2 minutes.
2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, honey, and Italian seasoning to make the dressing.
3. In a large bowl, toss the tortellini, salami, mozzarella, artichoke, tomatoes, pepperoncini, and roasted red peppers until combined. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss one more time until evenly coated.
4. Serve cold or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Expert Tip: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let all the flavors come together.

Variations

• Include more add-ins: Pitted kalamata olives, pepperoni, red onion, fresh basil leaves, mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Change up the pasta: You can also use mini ravioli or skip the stuffed pasta and use rotini, penne, or farfalle instead.
• Add more cheese: Cubed provolone or fresh-shredded parmesan cheese would also be great.
• Make it dairy-free: Swap the tortellini with a dairy-free alternative (I like Kite Hill) and leave out the mozzarella pearls.
• Make it spicy: Give it a kick with red pepper flakes or Calabrian chili peppers.

What to Serve with Pasta Salad

I usually serve this with something off the grill, like chicken, steak, or shrimp. Serve it with some crusty bread or focaccia on the side to soak up the extra dressing (trust me on that part).

This antipasto salad is great for a holiday picnic or cookout, like the 4th of July or Memorial Day.

Make Ahead and Storage

To Make Ahead: You can make Antipasto Tortellini Salad up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to serve. I actually recommend refrigerating it for a couple of hours to let all the flavors come together. Add an extra drizzle of olive oil, if needed, before serving.

To Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

More Summer Salad Recipes

• Summer Couscous Salad
• Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
• Rainbow Orzo Salad
• Fiesta Corn Salad
• Chickpea Avocado Salad

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