Summer Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe with Salami
This Summer Tortellini Pasta Salad with Salami is a cool, flavorful dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light family meal. Tender cheese tortellini is tossed with savory salami, crisp veggies, and briny olives, then coated in a zesty Italian dressing. It’s quick to prep, easy to make ahead, and always a crowd-pleaser!
Servings: 10 people
Calories: 452kcal
Ingredients
- 24 ounces Five Cheese Tortellini 1½ pounds cooked according to package directions
- ¾ pound Genoa Salami
- ½ cup Red Onion
- 2 cups Seedless Cucumber
- 6 ounces Pitted Kalamata Olives
- ½ cup Pepperoncini optional
- ¾ cup Creamy Italian Dressing I used the Olive Garden Signature Italian and highly recommend
- Pinch of Salt and Cracked Black Pepper if desired
Instructions
Cook the Tortellini
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 24 ounces of Five Cheese Tortellini and cook according to package directions—3 minutes for Kirkland brand that I used.
- Drain and add tortellini to a large stainless bowl to cool for 15 minutes. Or, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside to cool.
Prep the Ingredients
- While the tortellini cools, chop the ¾ pound of Genoa salami into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice red onion into small think strips, chop seedless cucumber, and slice pepperoncini.
- Rinse and drain the Kalamata olives.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, salami, red onion, cucumber, olives, and pepperoncini.
Add the Dressing
- Pour in ¾ cup of creamy Italian dressing (Olive Garden Signature is recommended). Gently toss everything together until well coated.
Season to Taste
- Add a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper, if desired. Toss again to combine.
Chill & Serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Chilling overnight recommended. Serve chilled and enjoy!
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Notes
- Tortellini Tip: Be careful not to overcook the tortellini. It only takes about 3 minutes—drain and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Make It Ahead: This pasta salad tastes even better after it’s had time to chill. Make it a few hours in advance or the day before for the best flavor.
- Add Extra Dressing Just Before Serving (if needed): If making ahead, reserve a little extra dressing to stir in before serving, especially if the salad absorbs some while chilling. This will freshen up the salad.
- Chill Tools for a Refreshing Finish: For an extra refreshing salad, chill your mixing bowl and serving utensils before assembling.
- Customize It: Swap the salami for pepperoni, grilled chicken, or go meatless. Add more veggies like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 452kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 1595mg | Potassium: 208mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 95IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 118mg | Iron: 2mg