Description
This Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender cheese tortellini with fresh vegetables, savory salami, and provolone cheese. Tossed in zesty Italian dressing with fresh herbs, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner and is best served chilled to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini, uncooked
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup salami, diced
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until they float to the surface. Drain the tortellini and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down.
- Combine Vegetables and Meats: In a large mixing bowl, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red onion, sliced black olives, diced salami, and diced provolone cheese. Mix gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Add Cooked Tortellini: Incorporate the cooled tortellini into the bowl with the other salad ingredients, folding carefully to combine without breaking the pasta.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil and parsley over the salad mixture to introduce bright, fresh flavors that complement the savory elements.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the Italian dressing over all the ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every component is well coated with the dressing for balanced flavor throughout.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to taste, then toss the salad once more to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Add Parmesan Topping (Optional): If desired, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad before serving for an extra hit of savory richness.
- Chill and Meld Flavors: For the best taste experience, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall depth and freshness.
Notes
- Rinsing the cooked tortellini with cold water stops cooking and prevents them from sticking together.
- You can substitute the salami with pepperoni or cooked Italian sausage if preferred.
- Use a good-quality Italian dressing or make your own for a fresher taste.
- This salad is best served chilled but should be consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- Adding grated Parmesan is optional but recommended for extra flavor.
