Name: Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 9 ounce packages fresh cheese tortellini (Buitoni brand used); 8 ounces salami (diced); 1/2 cup pepperoni (halved); 8 ounces provolone cheese (diced); 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced); 1 cup mini bell peppers (seeded and diced); 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved); 6 ounces can black olives (drained and rinsed); 1/4 cup banana peppers (rough chopped); salt and pepper (to taste); 1 cup Zesty Italian Salad Dressing (OR homemade recipe below.); 3 flakes1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 3/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon honey; 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese; 2 teaspoons dry Italian seasoning; small pinch red pepper flakes (OPTIONAL); salt and black pepper (to taste)

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Zesty Italian Pasta Salad recipe with tortellini, Italian meats and cheese, fresh vegetables tossed in homemade or your favorite zesty Italian dressing.

This salad checks all the boxes – carbs, cheese, deli meats and a zesty Italian dressing to bring it all home. It’s like your favorite Italian sub in salad form.

Whip up this cold pasta salad in about 20 minutes then dive into it (or make it and serve it up the next day). It’s bursting with layers of delicious flavor.

Pasta Salad – the ultimate side dish for any backyard barbecue or gathering.

Why this recipe is a favorite:

Easy, customizable make ahead cold pasta salad.
The ideal side dish that goes with everything from burgers and dogs to chicken and ribs.
Use tortellini or any kind of short pasta.
Transports easily to parties and picnics.
Use your favorite store-bought dressing or my quick and easy homemade Italian dressing.
Simple grocery store ingredients.

Ingredients in Zesty Italian Pasta Salad:

Pasta: we’re using 3-cheese tortellini – bite size and adds even more flavor to the salad.
Tomatoes: use any tomatoes that look good at the grocery store – from cherry to Roma (diced)
Pepperoni and Salami: adds so much flavor and a hint of spice.
Cheese: I used provolone – mild, doesn’t compete with the meats. Could also use mozzarella or cheddar.
Olives: satisfying little briny bites (be sure to rinse and drain them)
Red Onion: another layer of flavor in this salad.
Bell pepper: adds freshness to the salad.
Banana peppers: this sets my salad apart from the others. They add zest, zing and a pop of flavor.
Zesty Italian Dressing: make your own (recipe below) or my favorite brand, Ken’s Zesty Italian

Ingredients for homemade zesty Italian dressing:

olive oil
red wine vinegar
garlic powder
honey
grated parmesan cheese
dry Italian seasoning
red pepper flakes
salt and pepper

What kind of pasta is best for Italian Pasta Salad?

If you can’t find tortellini, any short pasta will work well like rotini pasta or bow tie pasta. Avoid spaghetti or other long strand pasta because it’s harder to eat.

How to make Zesty Italian Pasta Salad:

Add dressing ingredients to a small bowl or jar with a lid then whisk or shake to combine. Set aside.

Cook tortellini according to package directions in a large pot of salted water to al dente.

Drain and rinse in cold water then add to a large bowl. Blot tortellini with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Add remaining salad ingredients to the bowl (except salt and pepper) then blend in 1/2 cup of the dressing. Toss with remaining dressing just before serving. Taste and season with salt and black pepper.

Refrigerate 2-4 hours up to overnight for best flavor.

Tips for the best Italian Pasta Salad:

Take the salad out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving and give it a good toss in case the olive oil has solidified a little in the fridge.

Avoid spaghetti or other long pasta because it’s harder to eat.

Subs, additions and variations:

There are many great additions and substitutions for next time you make this recipe:

grape tomatoes or other fresh tomatoes diced
diced ham
whole red bell pepper or green bell pepper (seeded and diced)
artichoke hearts
crisp cucumber slices
thinly sliced green onion
try different cheeses like feta cheese or fresh mozzarella balls
green olives
little bit of fresh parsley or fresh basil
broccoli florets
garbanzo beans (rinsed and drained)

How to store Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad:

Store this cold pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.

What to serve with Pasta Salad:

closeup best cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato and side of fries

overhead view white plate with grilled split chicken breasts brushed with bbq sauce

slab of air fryer bbq ribs on cutting board

More Pasta Salad Recipes:

greek tortellini pasta salad ~ 3 cheese tortellini combined with vegetables, olives, herbs and feta cheese blended with a simple homemade Greek Yogurt Greek dressing.

black bowl with mexican street corn pasta salad garnished with crispy bacon

They can eat healthier, cheaper, and more delicious meals thanks to your insights and experiences. They can make sure their loved ones are healthier, too, and maybe they can even win a few hearts and minds of their own with your perfect mac and cheese recipe. That makes you a BFF for the ages.

Enjoy!

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