Antipasto Tortellini Salad
A vibrant, flavorful antipasto-inspired tortellini salad featuring salami, cheese, vegetables, and a creamy Italian dressing, perfect for casual gatherings and summer picnics.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. fresh or frozen tortellini ⓘ
- 4 oz. chopped salami ⓘ
- 4 oz. Provolone cheese, cut in 2 x 1/4-inch strips ⓘ
- 11 oz. can sweet corn, drained ⓘ
- 9 oz. frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed to drain ⓘ
- 6 oz. jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 6 oz. can sliced olives, drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups prepared creamy Italian salad dressing ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook tortellini as directed on the package.
- Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine tortellini, salami, Provolone cheese, corn, spinach, artichoke hearts, and 1 cup of sliced olives.
- In a small bowl, mix salad dressing, mustard, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese until well blended.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Top with remaining olives and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
- Garnish with pimiento before serving, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier salad, consider adding diced grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. If you can't find fresh tortellini, frozen works well; just ensure it's cooked al dente. You can also swap the Provolone for mozzarella or feta cheese based on your preference. This salad can also be tailored with seasonal veggies for a fresh twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Antipasto Tortellini Salad is perfect as a light main dish or as a side at barbecues and picnics. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a refreshing Italian-style side like a classic Caprese salad. For an Italian-inspired meal, serve alongside Italian Sausage And Potato Pie for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together, enhancing the taste. If the salad becomes too dry, add a splash of creamy Italian dressing before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the tortellini may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Antipasto Tortellini Salad contains roughly 250 calories, with 11g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 957mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a few hours in advance or even the night before. Just be sure to toss it with the dressing right before serving to keep the tortellini from absorbing too much dressing and losing its flavor.
What if I don't like olives?
If olives aren't your favorite, feel free to omit them or replace them with diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor. You can also add other ingredients like artichoke hearts or diced cucumbers to maintain the antipasto theme.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The traditional tortellini is made with wheat, so it's not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free tortellini at many grocery stores, or you can substitute with gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions while still enjoying this delicious salad.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).