Name: Salami Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz tortellini pasta (cheese-filled or your choice); 1 cup salami, diced or sliced into strips; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or use mozzarella pearls; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

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This Salami Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad is one of my favorite recipes when I want something refreshing, satisfying, and easy to put together. It’s packed with bold flavors and textures—tender tortellini, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and crisp veggies—all tied together with a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Whether I’m serving it at a picnic, potluck, or just as a chilled lunch or light dinner, it never lasts long.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this pasta salad is hearty enough to be a full meal but still light and fresh. The tortellini gives it that extra bite of cheesy comfort, while the salami and mozzarella bring richness and depth. The homemade vinaigrette is simple but packs a punch, and the veggies keep everything balanced. Plus, it holds up well in the fridge, so I often make it ahead for easy meals throughout the week. Salami Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Tortellini pasta (cheese-filled or your favorite variety)
Salami, diced or sliced into strips
Mozzarella cheese, cubed or use mozzarella pearls
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Cucumber, diced
Olive oil
Red wine vinegar
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper

Directions

I start by cooking the tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, I drain it and set it aside to cool completely.
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the cooled tortellini with the diced salami, chopped mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced cucumber.
In a separate small bowl, I whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
I pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything gently until evenly coated.
I cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld and the salad to chill nicely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 to 6 servings and takes 15 minutes to prep, plus at least 30 minutes to chill. It’s quick, convenient, and great for making ahead.

Variations

For more veggies, I add sliced olives, red onions, or bell peppers.
If I want a spicier kick, I sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes.
I’ve used different tortellini fillings like spinach and ricotta or even pesto-filled for fun variations.
To make it extra tangy, I add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing.

Storage/Reheating

This pasta salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. I stir it before serving to redistribute the dressing. It’s best served cold or at room temperature. I don’t recommend freezing, as the texture of the tortellini and vegetables changes too much after thawing.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! I often make it a day in advance—the flavors only get better as they sit. Just give it a good stir before serving.

What kind of tortellini works best?

I usually go with cheese-filled tortellini, but meat or spinach varieties work great too. Fresh or refrigerated tortellini is ideal for texture and flavor.

Can I use bottled dressing instead?

Yes, if I’m short on time, I sometimes use a quality store-bought Italian dressing. But I love how easy and fresh the homemade version tastes.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely. I portion it out into containers and have lunch ready to go for several days.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely. I just leave out the salami or substitute with marinated artichokes, olives, or chickpeas for a meat-free version that’s still filling and flavorful.

Conclusion

This Salami Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together into something vibrant, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and ideal for warm days, busy schedules, or sharing with friends. Whether I’m enjoying it at home or bringing it to a gathering, this dish always delivers.