Bacon Tortellini Salad Recipe

Introduction

This tortellini salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a hearty side. Combining cheesy tortellini, crispy bacon, and a tangy homemade dressing, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd.

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: Prepare the bacon by cooking it in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain excess grease, then transfer the bacon to paper towels to absorb any remaining 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 the cooking process. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, oregano, Italian herbs, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper until smooth and well combined.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked tortellini, pepperoncini peppers, Parmesan cheese, chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and crumbled bacon to the dressing. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
5. Step 5: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill. Stir before serving and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute turkey bacon or omit bacon for a vegetarian version; add extra vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers for more crunch.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
• Make the salad a few hours ahead for better flavor development but add tomatoes just before serving to keep them fresh.

Storage

Store leftover tortellini salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. It can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Avoid freezing as the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate.

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 cooking time as fresh pasta typically cooks faster. Be sure to cool it quickly to prevent overcooking in the salad.

Is this salad served best chilled or at room temperature?

Chilling the salad for at least an hour helps the flavors meld and keeps it refreshing, but it can also be served at room temperature if preferred.

Bacon Tortellini Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 90 reviews

A flavorful and creamy tortellini salad featuring cheese tortellini, crispy bacon, tangy pepperoncini, and a zesty homemade dressing. This cold pasta salad is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish.

• Author: Victoria
• 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

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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 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 excess grease, then transfer bacon to paper towels to absorb additional oil. Chop into small pieces and set aside.
2. 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 instructions (typically about 3-5 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the tortellini. Set aside.
3. Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, oregano, Italian herbs, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth and well combined to form the dressing.
4. Assemble the Salad: Add the cooled 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 coated evenly with the dressing.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill. Before serving, stir well and plate the tortellini salad.

Notes

• For best flavor, refrigerate the salad overnight.
• You can substitute turkey bacon or omit bacon for a vegetarian version.
• To reduce sodium, use low-sodium mayonnaise and rinse pepperoncini before adding.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra flavor boost.
• Make sure to rinse the tortellini with cold water to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Keywords: tortellini salad, pasta salad, bacon tortellini salad, cheese tortellini recipe, creamy pasta salad, easy pasta salad