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  19 oz cheese tortellini: These delightful pasta pockets filled with cheese provide a wonderful texture and a mild, creamy base to the salad. They soak up the dressing beautifully.
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  ¼ cup sliced black olives: Offering a briny, earthy counterpoint, black olives are a classic antipasto component.
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  1 cup sliced pepperoni, cut into small pieces: These spicy, savory sausage slices bring a fantastic depth of flavor and a touch of heat, characteristic of many Italian appetizers.
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  1 cup sliced salami, cut into small pieces: Another cornerstone of charcuterie, salami adds a rich, garlicky, and slightly fatty texture that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
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  8 oz cubed mozzarella cheese: Soft, milky mozzarella cubes add a wonderful creamy texture and a mild flavor that balances the strong tastes of the meats and peppers. Fresh mozzarella pearls or ciliegine also work wonderfully.
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  ¼ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers: These mild, slightly sweet, and tangy pickled peppers are crucial for that authentic antipasto kick. Their bright flavor cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.

Dressing

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  ¼ cup olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil forms the base of this vibrant dressing, adding a fruity, rich undertone.
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  2 tbsp red wine vinegar: Provides the essential tang and acidity, balancing the richness of the other components and bringing all the flavors to life.
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  ½ tbsp minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the dressing with its characteristic pungent and aromatic flavor, a must-have in Italian cooking.
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  ¼ tsp Italian seasoning: A convenient blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, adding a classic aromatic profile to the dressing.
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  ¼ tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors. Adjust to taste.

• Step 1: Cook the Tortellini to Perfection. Begin by cooking the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add the tortellini, and cook until al dente – tender yet firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the tortellini thoroughly. Immediately rinse it with cold water. This crucial step stops the cooking process, prevents the pasta from sticking together, and helps it cool down completely, ensuring your salad won’t be warm and will have a pleasant texture.
• Step 2: Prepare the Zesty Dressing. While the tortellini cools, prepare your dressing. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until they are well combined and emulsified. The garlic and herbs will begin to infuse the oil and vinegar, creating a fragrant and tangy base for your salad. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary; you might prefer a touch more salt or a dash of black pepper.
• Step 3: Combine and Chill for Optimal Flavor. To the bowl containing your freshly made dressing, add the cooled tortellini, sliced black olives, cut pepperoni, diced salami, cubed mozzarella cheese, and sliced pepperoncini peppers. Gently stir all the ingredients together, ensuring that everything is evenly coated with the delicious dressing. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Once thoroughly mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling is essential as it allows the dressing to truly penetrate the pasta and other components, enhancing the overall taste and making the salad even more refreshing. Serve chilled and enjoy the burst of flavors!

• Customizing Your Salad: This Antipasto Salad is incredibly versatile! You can add or substitute many ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Consider adding fresh vegetables like diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green for color and crunch), halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness, thinly sliced red onion for a sharper bite, or crisp cucumbers. Marinated artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers are also fantastic additions, bringing a gourmet touch.
• Protein Boost: For a heartier meal, you can easily incorporate additional proteins. Grilled chicken strips, cooked shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option would be delicious. Experiment with different types of cured meats, such as prosciutto or capicola, to vary the flavor profile.
• Cheese Choices: While mozzarella offers a creamy neutrality, feel free to swap it out for provolone cubes for a sharper taste, or even crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist. Small cubes of sharp cheddar or a medley of Italian cheeses can also work wonderfully.
• Dressing Enhancements: Elevate the dressing by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for added depth, or fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley for a brighter flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also enhance the tanginess.
• Make Ahead Tip: This salad is fantastic for meal prepping! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, you can always drizzle a little more olive oil and red wine vinegar before serving.
• Serving Suggestions: Beyond potlucks and cookouts, this Antipasto Salad makes a perfect light lunch or a delightful side to grilled fish, chicken, or steak. Serve it alongside crusty Italian bread to soak up any leftover dressing. It’s also an excellent option for picnics or packed lunches, as it travels well.
• Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s generally not recommended to freeze pasta salads as the pasta can become mushy upon thawing.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)