Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe

Introduction

Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad is a delightful blend of cheesy tortellini, crisp bacon, and tangy pepperoncini peppers, all coated in a flavorful homemade dressing. This chilled salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing side dish at gatherings.

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 until crispy. Drain the grease and place the bacon on paper towels to absorb 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 create a smooth dressing.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked tortellini, pepperoncini peppers, parmesan cheese, chopped red onion, halved tomatoes, and bacon to the dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Step 5: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to meld the flavors. Stir before serving and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add chopped celery or sliced cucumbers to the salad.
• Use turkey bacon for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
• Swap pepperoncini peppers for banana peppers or pickled jalapeños for a different tangy twist.
• Make the salad a day ahead to enhance the flavor melding even more.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a good stir. The dressing may thicken upon chilling; you can add a splash of water or vinegar to loosen if needed. This salad is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh tortellini works well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions and rinse with cold water after cooking to cool quickly.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply omit the bacon or substitute it with crispy fried mushrooms or a plant-based bacon alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 148 reviews

This Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad is a deliciously creamy and tangy pasta salad featuring cheese tortellini, crispy bacon, pepperoncini peppers, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for gatherings or as a refreshing side dish, this salad combines savory flavors with a subtle spicy kick and fresh veggies for a satisfying meal.

• Author: Caleb
• 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 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 slices in a skillet over medium heat until they become crispy. Once cooked, drain the excess grease and place the bacon on paper towels to absorb remaining oil. After cooling, chop the bacon into small pieces and set aside for later use.
2. Cook the Cheese Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stovetop. Add the frozen cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until tender. Drain the tortellini and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. 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. Mix thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
4. Assemble the Salad: Add the cooled cheese tortellini, pepperoncini peppers, grated Parmesan, chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and crumbled bacon to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss all ingredients until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the tortellini salad for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill. Before serving, give the salad a good stir. Serve chilled and enjoy this flavorful tortellini salad.

Notes

• For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving.
• Use fresh herbs like oregano if available to enhance the dressing’s taste.
• Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice tolerance.
• Can be made a few hours ahead of time and stored covered in the fridge.
• For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with a low-fat or Greek yogurt dressing.

Keywords: tortellini salad, cheese tortellini, bacon salad, easy pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, pepperoncini, summer salad, picnic salad, Italian dressing, cold tortellini salad