Tortellini Antipasto Salad
This Tortellini Antipasto Salad is a hearty, colorful pasta salad made with cheese tortellini, pepperoni, olives, tomatoes, arugula, basil, and balsamic vinaigrette. It’s easy enough for lunch but special enough for potlucks, picnics, or summer entertaining.
Ingredients
Optional Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons finely minced shallot
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Salad:
- 20 oz refrigerated tortellini
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups fresh arugula
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil sliced
- 4 oz Pepper Jack or other white cheese cut into chunks
- 4 oz pepperoni cut into small chunks
- 1 cup black olives halved
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes halved
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinaigrette divided
- 3 tablespoons shaved Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic vinaigrette, if using homemade, by combining all vinaigrette ingredients in a salad shaker or glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Cover and shake well until fully combined. Set aside.
- Cook the tortellini according to package directions. Add olive oil to the cooking water as directed to help prevent sticking. Rinse, drain well, and place the tortellini in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the arugula, basil, Pepper Jack cheese, pepperoni, olives, and tomatoes to the bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste.
- Drizzle half of the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Gently fold everything together until the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Transfer the salad to a large serving bowl. Top with shaved Parmesan cheese and a light drizzle of the remaining balsamic vinaigrette. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Notes
Kitchen Note:
Pepper Jack cheese adds a little kick to this salad and pairs nicely with the pepperoni and balsamic dressing. If you prefer a milder option, or if Pepper Jack is not available in your area, Provolone or another semi-soft white cheese works well too. Testing Note:
Kraft Sweet Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing was used in the photos for this recipe. You can use your favorite bottled balsamic dressing, or make the homemade version included here.
Pepper Jack cheese adds a little kick to this salad and pairs nicely with the pepperoni and balsamic dressing. If you prefer a milder option, or if Pepper Jack is not available in your area, Provolone or another semi-soft white cheese works well too. Testing Note:
Kraft Sweet Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing was used in the photos for this recipe. You can use your favorite bottled balsamic dressing, or make the homemade version included here.
Nutrition
Calories: 774kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 24gFat: 54gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 25gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 1352mgPotassium: 183mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 571IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 334mgIron: 3mg
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