The Muffaletta Tortellini Salad is the perfect blend of savory meats, zesty olives, and fresh veggies, all tossed together with a tangy vinaigrette. The combination of textures and flavors makes this salad a stand-out dish at any gathering. This vibrant salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s easy to prepare in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or a party. The addition of deli meats and cheese offers a satisfying, hearty touch, while the olives and red peppers provide a Mediterranean flair. Serve it chilled for an even more refreshing experience.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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12 ounces cheese-filled tortellini
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1/2 cup kalamata olives, chopped
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1/2 cup green olives, chopped
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1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
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1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
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2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/4 cup deli meats (salami, ham, etc.), chopped
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1/4 cup provolone cheese, diced
Directions:
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Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, kalamata olives, green olives, roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and deli meats.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Pour the dressing over the tortellini mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
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Add the diced provolone cheese and gently stir to combine.
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Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Muffaletta Tortellini Salad: A Delicious Italian-Inspired Dish for Any Occasion
When you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances bold flavors, texture, and versatility, the Muffaletta Tortellini Salad is your answer. This Italian-inspired salad is filled with a delightful mix of tender cheese-filled tortellini, tangy olives, zesty deli meats, fresh veggies, and a savory vinaigrette. Whether you’re preparing a quick meal for a busy weeknight, packing a dish for a summer picnic, or serving it at a casual gathering, this salad offers a satisfying and delicious option.
The Origins of Muffaletta
The name “Muffaletta” often brings to mind the famous sandwich that originated in New Orleans, but when it comes to this salad, the term represents a similar combination of hearty, Mediterranean ingredients. Muffaletta sandwiches are typically loaded with olives, meats, cheeses, and Italian-style ingredients. This salad borrows from those bold flavors, substituting crusty bread with cheese-filled tortellini, making it a lighter but still indulgent version of the famous sandwich.
This fusion of flavors—olives, deli meats, provolone cheese, and the Mediterranean twist—creates a perfect harmony of ingredients, making it suitable for a variety of occasions, from everyday dinners to special gatherings. The dish is both hearty and refreshing, balancing richness with bright, tangy accents that complement the creamy tortellini.
Why Choose Tortellini for This Salad?
Tortellini are small, ring-shaped pasta stuffed with cheese or meats, offering a satisfying bite and texture. While the traditional Muffaletta sandwich uses bread as the base, switching to tortellini brings a new twist to the dish, infusing each bite with cheesy, tender pasta goodness. Tortellini is an excellent option for pasta salads because it holds up well in the dressing and complements the other ingredients without becoming too soggy or soft.
The cheese-filled tortellini adds depth to the dish, while also soaking up the tangy vinaigrette and enhancing the overall flavor profile. Combined with the crispy vegetables and savory meats, the tortellini brings a comfort factor that’s hard to beat. Plus, it’s a dish that can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for meal prep or potlucks.
A Mediterranean Twist on a Classic Italian Recipe
The Muffaletta Tortellini Salad combines some of the best elements of Mediterranean cuisine. Olives are a staple in Mediterranean cooking, known for their distinct, briny flavor. Both kalamata and green olives are featured in this dish, giving it a rich, salty profile that cuts through the creaminess of the tortellini and the richness of the meats.
In addition to the olives, roasted red peppers provide a mild sweetness and a touch of smokiness. Together, these Mediterranean ingredients create a vibrant, flavorful base that’s elevated by the fresh herbs, such as parsley, which lend a touch of brightness and color. The inclusion of fresh tomatoes adds a juicy pop, balancing out the heavier components like deli meats and cheese.
The beauty of this salad is that it can be customized according to your personal preferences. Whether you prefer a different type of olive, want to add more veggies, or swap out the meats for something else, this salad is versatile and adaptable. You can experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or feta, to adjust the flavor according to your taste.
How to Serve Muffaletta Tortellini Salad
Muffaletta Tortellini Salad can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion. For casual summer gatherings, it can be a refreshing side dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or seafood. It’s also a perfect addition to a Mediterranean-inspired meal, where it can be served alongside fresh bread, hummus, and roasted vegetables.
For a more substantial meal, this salad can be the star of the show. It’s packed with protein from the deli meats and provolone cheese, making it filling enough to serve as a main dish. It’s an excellent option for a quick lunch or a light dinner when you’re craving something flavorful but not too heavy.
If you’re serving this salad at a picnic or potluck, it’s easy to transport and stays fresh for hours. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container, and if possible, keep the dressing on the side until it’s time to serve to maintain the perfect texture.
Make Ahead and Meal Prep Friendly
One of the greatest advantages of this Muffaletta Tortellini Salad is its make-ahead potential. In fact, it’s even better the next day when the flavors have had time to marinate and meld together. You can prepare it a day or two in advance, allowing the dressing to soak into the pasta and vegetables, making every bite even more flavorful.
This salad is also great for meal prepping. You can divide it into individual servings and store them in separate containers for a quick, grab-and-go lunch or dinner throughout the week. If you’re planning for a larger event or gathering, you can scale up the recipe to suit the number of guests, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy a generous portion.
The Perfect Balance of Fresh and Savory
The Muffaletta Tortellini Salad is a wonderful balance of fresh and savory flavors. The combination of fresh, crunchy vegetables, briny olives, hearty tortellini, and zesty meats creates a texture and flavor profile that is both satisfying and refreshing. The vinaigrette ties everything together, adding a tangy, herbal note that elevates the dish without overwhelming it.
With the option to adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences, this salad is endlessly customizable. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, a light lunch, or the main course at your next event, the Muffaletta Tortellini Salad will not disappoint.
Conclusion:
The Muffaletta Tortellini Salad is more than just a pasta salad it’s a culinary experience that combines Italian and Mediterranean flavors in a creative way. Its bold, satisfying ingredients make it the perfect dish for any occasion, from casual weeknight meals to festive gatherings. With its ability to be customized, made ahead, and stored for future meals, this salad is a must-try for anyone who loves fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-prepare dishes.
If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for a variety of occasions, give this Muffaletta Tortellini Salad a try. You’ll love the vibrant mix of flavors and textures, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.