Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender cheese tortellini with crispy bacon, tangy pepperoncini, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a refreshing lunch, this salad brings a delicious Italian-inspired twist to your table.

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: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain the grease and transfer the bacon to a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Once cooled, 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 the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, oregano, Italian herbs, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper until well combined to make the dressing.
4. Step 4: Add the cooled tortellini, pepperoncini peppers, Parmesan cheese, chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and chopped bacon to the dressing. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld. Stir again before serving and enjoy your fresh tortellini salad.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add chopped celery or bell peppers to the salad.
• Use turkey bacon for a lighter protein option.
• Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier, healthier dressing.
• Make the salad a day ahead to enhance the flavors even more.

Storage

Store the tortellini salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and does not reheat well, so serve cold for the best taste and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh tortellini works great. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as fresh tortellini usually cooks faster than frozen.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and add your favorite crunchy nuts or roasted chickpeas for texture and protein.

Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 126 reviews

This Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad combines tender cheese tortellini with crispy bacon, tangy pepperoncini, fresh grape tomatoes, and a creamy Italian herb dressing. Perfectly chilled and packed with bold flavors, it’s a delightful and easy-to-make pasta salad for gatherings or a refreshing meal.

• Author: Logan
• 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 crispy. Drain the grease, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, then chop into small pieces and set aside.
2. Cook the Cheese Tortellini: Bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stove. Add the frozen cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.
3. Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to create a smooth, well-blended dressing.
4. Assemble the Salad: Add the cooked tortellini, drained pepperoncini peppers, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and chopped bacon into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss all ingredients until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and for the salad to chill. Before serving, give it a good stir, then plate and enjoy a flavorful, refreshing tortellini salad.

Notes

• Make sure to rinse the tortellini with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.
• You can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or substitute with a plant-based bacon alternative.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
• This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but is best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal freshness.

Keywords: tortellini salad, bacon tortellini salad, pasta salad, cheese tortellini recipe, Italian pasta salad, make-ahead salad