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Italian tortellini and mozzarella salad with cherry tomatoes, olives and bell peppers

Italian Tortellini and Mozzarella Salad

A colorful Italian-inspired tortellini pasta salad made with cheese tortellini, fresh mozzarella pearls, tomatoes, olives, bell pepper, red onion, beef salami or turkey pepperoni, and a simple EVOO-based Italian dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

  • 20 oz cheese tortellini fresh or frozen
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls bocconcini
  • 4 oz beef salami or turkey pepperoni quartered
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes halved
  • ½ cup black olives sliced
  • ½ cup green bell pepper diced
  • cup red onion finely diced
  • cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes drained
  • cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook the 20 oz cheese tortellini in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until tender but firm (al dente). Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool completely.
  2. In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
  3. Prepare the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the black olives, dice the green bell pepper, finely dice the red onion, slice the sun-dried tomatoes, and quarter the beef salami or turkey pepperoni slices.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, mozzarella pearls, quartered beef salami/turkey pepperoni, tomatoes, olives, green bell pepper, red onion, and sun-dried tomatoes.
  5. Pour the emulsified dressing over the ingredients and toss gently with a spatula until evenly coated.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes before serving. Toss gently before serving, adding a small splash of extra virgin olive oil or vinegar if dry.

Notes

  • Fresh or frozen cheese tortellini can be used interchangeably.
  • Do not overcook the tortellini; keeping it firm prevents mushiness when tossed.
  • Cool the tortellini completely before mixing with mozzarella to prevent melting.
  • Toss gently using a soft rubber spatula to protect the pasta and mozzarella pearls.
  • Adjust dressing with a splash of olive oil or vinegar after chilling if the pasta absorbs liquid.
  • Use beef salami or turkey pepperoni to keep the recipe pork-free while preserving cured-meat appearance.
  • Add julienned sun-dried tomatoes to match the vivid, colorful look of the dish.