Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients and ensuring they are prepared as specified:

• Cut the Genoa salami into matchstick-sized pieces.
• Slice the pepperoncini.
• Halve the grape tomatoes.
• Dice the green bell pepper.
• Finely chop the fresh parsley.
• Slice the red onion thinly.
• Cut the mozzarella into small cubes.

Step 2: Cook the Tortellini

• Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt to the water. Carefully add the frozen tortellini to the pot and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook the tortellini.

Step 3: Drain and Cool the Tortellini

• Once the tortellini is cooked to perfection, drain it in a colander and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. Shake off any excess water.

Step 4: Combine the Salad Ingredients

• Transfer the cooled tortellini to a large mixing bowl. Add the prepared salami, sliced pepperoncini, halved grape tomatoes, diced green bell pepper, chopped parsley, sliced olives, sliced red onion, and cubed mozzarella to the bowl.

Step 5: Dress the Salad

• Drizzle the zesty robusto Italian dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Take care not to break the tortellini while tossing.

Step 6: Add Flavor with Balsamic Vinegar

• Give the salad a few shakes of balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor profile. Start with a modest amount, as you can always adjust to taste later on. Mix well to distribute the vinegar evenly throughout the salad.

Step 7: Chill the Salad

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the tortellini pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill thoroughly. This step is crucial for serving a refreshing salad.

Step 8: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

• Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more Italian dressing or balsamic vinegar according to your preference. Give the salad a final gentle toss to incorporate any additional seasoning.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

• Once the salad is perfectly chilled and seasoned to your liking, transfer it to a serving bowl or platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color if desired. Serve the delicious tortellini pasta salad and savor every bite!