Fresh Grinder Salad with Tortellini, Bacon, and Pepperoncini Recipe
Introduction
This Fresh Grinder Salad is a flavorful and hearty pasta salad perfect for gatherings or a satisfying lunch. With creamy mayo-based dressing, zesty pepperoncini, crispy bacon, and tender cheese tortellini, it’s a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
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 full cup halved grape tomatoes
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the bacon by cooking it in a skillet until crispy. Drain the grease, place bacon on paper towels to absorb excess oil, then chop into small pieces. Set aside.
- 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 to cool.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, oregano, Italian herbs, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Stir well to create a smooth dressing.
- Step 4: Add the cooled tortellini, pepperoncini peppers, Parmesan cheese, chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and chopped bacon to the dressing. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Tips & Variations
- For extra freshness, add chopped fresh basil or parsley before tossing the salad.
- Substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option or use vegetarian bacon to make it meat-free.
- Use fresh cooked tortellini instead of frozen for a more tender texture.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to control the heat level according to your taste.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop further when chilled, but the salad is best enjoyed within this time for optimal freshness. Reheat is not recommended; serve cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be prepared a few hours or overnight in advance. Just store it covered in the refrigerator and toss gently before serving.
What can I use instead of pepperoncini peppers?
If you don’t have pepperoncini, pickled banana peppers or mild pickled jalapeños can provide a similar tangy kick.
PrintFresh Grinder Salad with Tortellini, Bacon, and Pepperoncini Recipe
Fresh Grinder Salad is a vibrant, hearty pasta salad featuring tender cheese tortellini, crispy bacon, and zesty pepperoncini peppers all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and Italian herbs. This salad balances savory, spicy, and fresh flavors, making it a perfect side dish or light meal for gatherings or everyday enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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 Components
- 1/3 cup drained pepperoncini peppers
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 19 ounces frozen cheese tortellini
- 8 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the Bacon: Cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain the grease and transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces and set aside for later use.
- Cook the Cheese Tortellini: Bring a pot of water to a boil on the stovetop. Add the frozen cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes until tender. Drain the tortellini and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Set aside.
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, oregano, Italian herbs, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended, forming a creamy, flavorful dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the cooled cheese 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 together until evenly coated with the dressing. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra tang, add more red wine vinegar to taste.
- Feel free to substitute bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- You can prepare the salad a few hours ahead and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld better.
- Use fresh herbs if available to enhance flavor.
- Rinse cooked tortellini thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming too creamy or soggy.
Keywords: fresh grinder salad, pasta salad, cheese tortellini salad, bacon salad, Italian dressing, easy pasta salad recipe
