Tortellini Appetizers
This recipe creates vibrant and flavorful tortellini appetizers, perfect for gatherings. Cooked frozen tortellini is combined with Italian dressing, cured meats, provolone cheese, and black olives. Chilling the mixture allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead option for easy entertaining.
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot For boiling tortellini
- 1 Colander or Strainer For draining tortellini
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl For combining ingredients
- 1 Sharp Knife For slicing cured meats and cheese
- 30 Serving Skewers (Optional, for appetizer presentation)
Ingredients
Main
- 1 bag 1 Pound Bag Of Frozen Tortellini
- 6 ounces fluid Italian Salad Dressing
- 4 ounces weight Proscuitto, Ham Or Salami
- 8 slices Provolone Cheese
- 1 can 6 Oz. Size Whole Pitted Black Olives, Drained
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the frozen tortellini to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain the cooked tortellini thoroughly and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking; set aside to cool completely.
- While the tortellini cools, slice the prosciutto, ham, or salami into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut the provolone cheese slices into small squares or triangles.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, sliced cured meat, provolone cheese, and drained whole pitted black olives.
- Pour the Italian salad dressing over the mixture.
- Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 2-4 hours, to allow the flavors to fully meld.
- Before serving, give the mixture another gentle toss and optionally thread the ingredients onto small serving skewers for an appealing appetizer presentation.
Notes
Ensure the tortellini is cooked al dente; overcooking will result in a mushy texture. Rinsing the cooked tortellini under cold water immediately after draining is crucial to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. For optimal flavor infusion, allow the mixture to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours, or ideally overnight. Consider using a high-quality Italian dressing as it significantly impacts the final taste. Feel free to customize the cured meat; prosciutto offers a delicate saltiness, while salami provides a bolder, spicier kick. For an enhanced dish, incorporate fresh elements like halved cherry tomatoes or chopped fresh basil right before serving. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper can also elevate the flavors.