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You know those crazy summer days when it's too hot to cook but you need something amazing for dinner? This 5 Minute Italian Salami Tortellini Salad is my go-to lifesaver. I stumbled upon this recipe during a particularly scorching summer while looking for something quick to bring to a backyard BBQ. Now it's my most requested dish at every gathering. The combination of pillowy tortellini, savory salami and marinated mozzarella creates this incredible flavor that'll have everyone coming back for seconds.
What Makes This Salad Special
The magic of this salad lies in how simple yet impressive it is. Six ingredients and five minutes is all you need. I love watching people's faces when they taste it for the first time that moment when the fresh basil hits and the marinated mozzarella melts in their mouth. It's become my secret weapon for potlucks and the perfect side dish when my husband fires up the smoker.
Your Shopping List
- Tortellini: I always grab fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section. It has this perfect tender bite that dried just can't match.
- Mozzarella: Those little marinated mozzarella balls are crucial here. The herb-infused oil becomes part of the dressing.
- Salami: I like to dice mine into tiny bits so you get that salty punch in every bite.
- Grape Tomatoes: These sweet little jewels add the perfect pop of freshness.
- Basil: Fresh only please. I grab a big bunch because I always sneak extra.
- Salt: Just a pinch to make all the flavors sing.
Let's Make It Together
- Start With Perfect Pasta
- Get your water boiling and make it salty like the sea. Once it's rolling drop in your tortellini. I love watching them dance around and float to the top when they're ready. Give them a quick drain and cool down in a big bowl.
- The Magic Mix
- Now comes my favorite part. Toss in those marinated mozzarella balls with all their delicious oil don't even think about draining it. Add your diced salami those juicy tomatoes and tear in fresh basil leaves. Every time I make this my kitchen smells like an Italian garden.
- Time to Serve
- Give everything a gentle toss and watch it come together into this gorgeous colorful masterpiece. You can serve it right away or pop it in the fridge if you're not quite ready.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I switch things up based on what's in my fridge. Last week I used pepperoni instead of salami and my kids went crazy for it. Fresh mozzarella works beautifully if you can't find the marinated kind. I've thrown in colorful bell peppers for extra crunch and sometimes I add a handful of spinach. The possibilities are endless and that's what makes this recipe so fun.
Storing Your Salad
This salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days though it never lasts that long in my house. I store it in my favorite glass container with a tight fitting lid. If you're meal prepping you can freeze the cooked tortellini separately just remember to add fresh ingredients when you're ready to serve. The texture is best when everything's fresh.
Perfect Partners
I love serving this alongside anything from the grill or smoker. It's become a regular companion to my husband's famous smoked chicken and his pride and joy brisket. On really hot days we make this the star of the show with some crusty garlic bread on the side. My kids love it with fresh squeezed lemonade while the adults enjoy it with a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio.
Other Pasta Salads You'll Love
This tortellini salad sparked my love affair with cold pasta dishes. Now my recipe box is bursting with variations. My Greek version with feta and olives disappears at every party. The Southwest one with corn and black beans has a kick that everyone loves. But this Italian version with its simple fresh flavors will always be my first love and go to recipe.
Making It Perfect Every Time
After countless times making this salad I've picked up some tricks. Salt your pasta water generously it makes such a difference in flavor. Let those tortellini cool completely before adding the other ingredients nobody wants warm wilted basil. And don't toss out that flavored oil from the mozzarella it's liquid gold for the dressing. Cut everything about the same size so you get all the flavors in each bite.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes, this salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. The marinated mozzarella oil helps keep everything flavorful.
- → What type of tortellini works best?
- You can use any cheese-filled tortellini, fresh or dried. Fresh tortellini cooks faster but dried works just as well for this recipe.
- → Can I add other vegetables?
- This salad is very adaptable. Try adding cucumber, bell peppers, or olives. Just make sure to cut everything into bite-sized pieces.
- → Why is my pasta salad dry?
- Make sure to include the oil from the marinated mozzarella. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil and toss again if needed.
- → Can I use different meat?
- Italian salami can be replaced with pepperoni, ham, or prosciutto. You can also skip the meat for a vegetarian version.