Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. With a creamy dressing, crispy bacon, and tender cheese tortellini, it combines textures and tastes that everyone will love. It’s easy to prepare and makes a great side or light main course.

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 on paper towels to remove excess oil, then chop into small pieces and set aside.
2. Step 2: Cook the cheese tortellini in boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking, then 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 create a smooth dressing.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked tortellini, pepperoncini peppers, Parmesan cheese, chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and bacon to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to coat evenly.
5. Step 5: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld. Stir before serving and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add toasted pine nuts or roasted chickpeas for crunch.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to brighten the flavors even more.
• The dressing can be made the day before to save time and deepen the taste.

Storage

Store the tortellini salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again. This salad is best served chilled, but if preferred, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh tortellini can be used. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package or until al dente, then proceed with the recipe as instructed.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This salad stores well in the fridge for a few days and makes a convenient, tasty lunch or side dish ready to go.

Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 87 reviews

A flavorful and hearty Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad combining tender cheese tortellini with crispy bacon, tangy pepperoncini, fresh grape tomatoes, and a zesty homemade mayo-based dressing for a perfect chilled pasta salad.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 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

• 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 slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain the grease and transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
2. Cook the Cheese Tortellini: Bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stovetop. Add the frozen cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until tender. Drain the tortellini and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, then 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 thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and fully blended.
4. Assemble the Salad: Add the cooked and cooled tortellini to the bowl with the dressing. Incorporate the drained pepperoncini peppers, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and chopped bacon. Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly coated.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill. Before serving, stir the salad again, then plate and enjoy.

Notes

• Make sure to rinse the cooked tortellini with cold water to prevent it from becoming mushy and to help it cool faster.
• The salad can be prepared a day ahead for enhanced flavor.
• For a spicier kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of pepperoncini juice.
• Use good quality Parmesan for the best taste balance in the salad.

Keywords: tortellini salad, bacon tortellini, pasta salad, Italian salad, chilled salad, cheese tortellini, easy dinner salad