Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe
This Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad is a vibrant and flavorful pasta salad featuring cheese tortellini tossed with a tangy, herb-infused mayo dressing, crispy bacon, pepperoncini peppers, fresh grape tomatoes, and grated parmesan. It’s a perfect dish for gatherings, potlucks, or a refreshing meal on its own.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing 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
Salad Ingredients
- 1/3 cup drained pepperoncini peppers, sliced
- 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
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the frozen cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until tender but firm. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking, then set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, oregano, Italian herbs, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Whisk together until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the cooled tortellini to the bowl with the dressing. Then fold in the sliced pepperoncini peppers, grated parmesan cheese, chopped red onion, crumbled bacon, and halved grape tomatoes. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. This step enhances the taste and texture of the salad.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss. Adjust seasoning if needed with a pinch of salt or extra pepper. Serve chilled as a delicious side dish or a light main course.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian herbs with a mix of basil, thyme, and rosemary if desired.
- For a healthier twist, use light mayonnaise or substitute with Greek yogurt.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon or replace it with a plant-based bacon alternative.
- Add some fresh basil or parsley for extra freshness and color.
- If you prefer a spicier salad, increase the crushed red pepper slightly.
Keywords: tortellini salad, pasta salad, cheese tortellini, bacon salad, pepperoncini, Italian herb salad, easy summer salad, picnic salad
Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/fresh-grinder-tortellini-salad-recipe/
