If you are looking for a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings a touch of freshness and a burst of Italian-inspired goodness, this Spinach Tortellini Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It brilliantly combines tender cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and savory salami, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you want a quick lunch, a delicious picnic option, or a side that steals the show at your next gathering, this salad promises to deliver on all fronts with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Spinach Tortellini Salad Recipe lies in its straightforward, quality ingredients. Each plays a key role, enhancing texture, color, and layers of flavor for a perfectly balanced dish.
- 8 ounces salami, chopped: Adds a savory, slightly spicy punch and a meaty bite that complements the tortellini.
- 1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star of the salad, providing a soft, cheesy base loaded with comforting flavor.
- 1/2 small red onion, sliced thin: Brings a mild sharpness and crunch that wakes up the palate.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Offers vibrant green color and a fresh, earthy note that balances the richness.
- 8 ounces tomatoes (grape or cherry), halved: Bursting with juicy sweetness, they add lovely pops of color and freshness.
- Handful fresh basil, sliced thin: Injects aromatic herbal brightness that elevates every forkful.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: The dressing’s silky base that brings everything together smoothly.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Adds acidity and tang that brighten the salad.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend that infuses classic Mediterranean flavors subtly throughout.
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity and rounds out the dressing’s flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a gentle depth of savory warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Spinach Tortellini Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water, which is crucial to flavor the pasta from within. Cook the cheese tortellini exactly according to the package instructions—usually around 10 minutes—so they reach that perfect al dente tenderness. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process and cool them for the salad. This step ensures each bite is tender but not mushy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the tortellini cooks, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, sugar, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. You can also shake all the dressing ingredients in a jar for easier mixing. This simple yet flavorful dressing is the backbone of the salad and will coat every ingredient with a delicate tangy richness.
Step 3: Chop and Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Next, prepare the fresh components by chopping the salami, slicing the red onion thin, chopping the spinach, halving the tomatoes, and slicing the basil. Toss all these fresh ingredients into a generously sized bowl where there’s plenty of room to mix without squashing the delicate tortellini later. These elements add wonderful colors, textures, and bold flavors that make the salad so irresistible.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Once the tortellini has cooled slightly, add it to the bowl of fresh ingredients. Pour in the dressing and gently toss everything together until all the components are evenly coated. Avoid overmixing to keep that light, fresh texture. This is the moment where all the flavors start mingling beautifully, creating an inviting dish ready to enjoy right away.
How to Serve Spinach Tortellini Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Spinach Tortellini Salad Recipe even more, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a few extra basil leaves on top. A crack of fresh black pepper adds an aromatic finish. These garnishes add not just visual appeal but extra layers of taste that make every serving feel special.
Side Dishes
This salad is versatile enough to stand alone as a light meal but pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread, a simple green salad, or grilled chicken for added protein. It also shines at barbecues, picnics, or buffet tables as a fresh and satisfying side that complements heartier dishes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, serve the salad in individual mason jars or beautiful bowls garnished with sprigs of basil. Another idea is to offer it atop a bed of mixed greens for an elegant twist or spoon it inside hollowed-out tomatoes for a colorful appetizer that brings fun and flair to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Spinach Tortellini Salad Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Because it’s tossed in dressing, the flavors intensify over time, but the salad remains fresh and tasty. Give it a gentle stir before serving as some ingredients might settle.
Freezing
Due to the fresh vegetables and dressing, freezing is not recommended for this salad. Tortellini itself might freeze well, but once mixed with fresh components and dressing, the texture can change unfavorably upon thawing.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer warm tortellini, you can prepare the pasta and reheat it separately before combining it with the chilled vegetables and dressing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While frozen spinach is convenient, for this Spinach Tortellini Salad Recipe, fresh spinach offers a better texture and flavor. Frozen spinach might turn soggy and watery once thawed, which could affect the overall salad experience.
What can I substitute for salami?
If salami is not your favorite or unavailable, try cooked and chopped chicken, pepperoni, or even a vegetarian option like roasted mushrooms to keep that savory, hearty bite in the salad.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Spinach Tortellini Salad Recipe makes for a fantastic meal prep option as it stores well and tastes even better after the flavors meld. Just keep the dressing separate if prepping several days in advance and toss before serving.
Can I add cheese to this salad?
Definitely! Fresh mozzarella balls or crumbled feta cheese pair wonderfully with the ingredients here, adding creaminess and a tangy note that complements the herbs and tortellini.
How can I make the dressing creamier?
If you prefer a creamier dressing, try whisking in a spoonful of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or even a bit of Parmesan cheese. This will create a luscious texture that clings beautifully to the tortellini and veggies.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Tortellini Salad Recipe is a true gem that’s fresh, flavorful, and effortlessly impressive. It’s the kind of dish that makes weekday meals feel special and turns gatherings into memorable occasions. I hope you give it a try soon and discover how easy it is to create something so satisfying from simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
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Spinach Tortellini Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A fresh and flavorful Spinach Tortellini Salad featuring cheese tortellini, savory salami, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Ready in just 20 minutes, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch or vibrant side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 ounces salami, chopped
- 1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups packed spinach, chopped
- 8 ounces tomatoes (grape, cherry, etc.), halved
- Handful fresh basil, sliced thin
- Salt & pepper to taste
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions, usually around 7-9 minutes until tender. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Drain thoroughly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, shake all dressing ingredients in a sealed jar until well mixed.
- Prepare Salad Ingredients: While the tortellini cooks, chop the salami, thinly slice the red onion and basil, chop the spinach, and halve the tomatoes. Add all these ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
- Toss and Serve: Once the tortellini has cooled slightly, add it to the bowl with the other ingredients. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami or substitute with a vegetarian alternative.
- Make sure the tortellini is well-drained and cooled to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Add extra veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers for more crunch and color.
- Use fresh herbs like basil for enhanced flavor.
