Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish perfect for warm days or as a flavorful side. Combining tender cheese tortellini with crispy bacon, tangy pepperoncini, and a zesty homemade dressing, it’s both easy to make and a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/3 cup drained pepperoncini peppers
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 chopped red onion
• 19 oz frozen cheese tortellini
• 8 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1 cup halved grape tomatoes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the bacon by cooking it in a skillet until crispy. Drain the grease, place the bacon on a paper towel to absorb excess oil, then chop into small pieces and set aside.
2. Step 2: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, oregano, Italian herbs, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper until well blended to create the dressing.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked tortellini, pepperoncini peppers, parmesan cheese, chopped red onion, grape tomatoes, and chopped bacon to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Step 5: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors meld and the salad chill. Stir before serving and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra freshness, add chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.
• Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing option.
• Use turkey bacon or omit bacon to make it vegetarian-friendly.
• Add diced cucumbers or bell peppers for additional crunch and color.

Storage

Store the tortellini salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving again. This salad is best enjoyed cold and should not be frozen.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better after sitting for an hour or more, allowing the flavors to meld. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

What can I substitute for pepperoncini peppers?

If pepperoncini peppers are unavailable, you can substitute mild banana peppers or sliced pickled jalapeños for a similar tangy kick.

Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 549 reviews

A delicious and creamy Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad featuring cheesy tortellini, crispy bacon, tangy pepperoncini peppers, and a flavorful homemade dressing. This easy-to-make pasta salad is perfect for a refreshing lunch or a crowd-pleasing side dish at gatherings.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Salad

• 1/3 cup drained pepperoncini peppers
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 19 oz frozen cheese tortellini
• 8 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1 cup halved grape tomatoes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Drain the grease, place the bacon on a paper towel to absorb excess oil, then chop into small pieces and set aside.
2. Cook the Cheese Tortellini: Bring a pot of water to a boil on the stove and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool and stop cooking. Set aside.
3. Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly until well blended.
4. Assemble the Salad: Add the cooked and cooled tortellini, pepperoncini peppers, Parmesan cheese, chopped red onion, grape tomatoes, and chopped bacon to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to meld the flavors. Stir well before serving and enjoy your fresh tortellini salad.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or replace with a plant-based bacon substitute.
• Make sure to rinse the tortellini with cold water after boiling to prevent it from becoming mushy and to cool it quickly.
• This salad can be prepared a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator for even better flavor.
• Feel free to add additional veggies such as cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch.
• Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.

Keywords: tortellini salad, pasta salad, bacon tortellini salad, pepperoncini salad, Italian pasta salad, easy pasta salad recipe, cheese tortellini salad