Bacon Tortellini Salad Recipe

Introduction

This bacon tortellini salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for gatherings or a hearty lunch. Creamy, tangy, and packed with savory ingredients, it combines tender cheese tortellini with crispy bacon and a zesty 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
• 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. Step 1: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain the grease and place the bacon on paper towels to remove excess oil. 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 instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, oregano, Italian herbs, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Stir well to make the dressing.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked tortellini, pepperoncini peppers, Parmesan cheese, chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and crumbled bacon to the dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Step 5: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to let the flavors blend. Stir before serving and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers instead.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
• If you like it spicier, increase the crushed red pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
• Try swapping the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.

Storage

Store the tortellini salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, preparing the salad a few hours ahead allows the flavors to develop fully. Just keep it refrigerated until serving.

What can I substitute if I don’t have pepperoncini peppers?

You can substitute with mild banana peppers or a small amount of chopped pickles to maintain the tangy, slightly spicy element in the salad.

Bacon Tortellini Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 147 reviews

This flavorful Tortellini Salad combines tender cheese tortellini with a zesty homemade dressing, crispy bacon, pepperoncini peppers, grape tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, making it a perfect chilled pasta salad for any occasion.

• 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 seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Salad

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bacon: Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Chop the bacon into small pieces and set aside for later use.
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 the package directions, typically about 3-5 minutes until tender. Drain the tortellini and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
3. Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
4. Assemble the Salad: Add the cooked and cooled tortellini to the bowl with the dressing. Add drained pepperoncini peppers, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and crumbled bacon. Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill. Before serving, give it a good stir, then plate and enjoy your delicious bacon tortellini salad.

Notes

• For best flavor, let the salad chill overnight if possible.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and texture.
• You can substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option.
• If you prefer a spicier salad, add additional crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
• This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: tortellini salad, pasta salad, bacon tortellini salad, cheese tortellini, cold pasta salad, Italian salad, easy pasta salad