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Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
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Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing Recipe

Pasta salad with Italian dressing (made with pasta or tortellini) is loaded with pepperoni, salami, mozzarella, olives, peppers, and parmesan cheese. Ready in 20 minutes!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time3 minutes
Total Time18 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Servings: 12
Calories: 360kcal

Ingredients

  • 20 oz frozen tortellini (or 1 lb pasta shape of choice)
  • 1 lb cherry tomatoes, halved (or grape tomatoes)
  • ½ cup Castelvetrano olives, smashed and pitted (or green or Kalamata olives)
  • 4 oz deli sliced Genoa salami, chopped into bite sized pieces
  • 4 oz deli sliced pepperoni, chopped into bite sized pieces
  • 8 oz mozzarella pearls, drained   (or cubed mozzarella)
  • 2 tablespoon pepperoncini peppers, diced
  • ½ medium green bell pepper, diced 
  • 1 cup bottled Italian dressing, plus more as needed before serving (can also use homemade Italian dressing)
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • salt and fresh ground black, pepper to taste 

Instructions

  • Boil tortellini (or pasta) according to package directions for al dente, in salted water. Drain and rinse with cool water and drain well, removing all excess water so the salad doesn't get wet and soggy.
    2. Add the cooked and drained pasta or tortellini to a large mixing bowl with the halved cherry tomatoes, smashed and pitted olives, chopped salami and pepperoni, mozzarella pearls, diced green pepper and Pepperoncini peppers. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    3. Add the grated parmesan cheese and dressing, and mix well. (Reserve some dressing to add back in later if storing the fridge to help loosen it up, as needed).
    4. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. If chilling before serving, stir again and add a splash of extra dressing, as needed.

Notes

If you plan to make this pasta salad ahead, reserve a little extra dressing to stir in before serving. 
Let refrigerated pasta salad sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes for best flavor.
Rotini or cavatappi pasta can be used instead of tortellini for a more classic version.

Nutrition

Calories: 360kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 935mg | Potassium: 182mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 273IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 197mg | Iron: 2mg