Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad is a creamy and flavorful dish perfect for warm days or as a hearty side. Packed with cheesy tortellini, crispy bacon, and a zesty homemade dressing, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table.

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: Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Drain the grease and place the bacon on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Once cool, chop into small pieces and set aside.
2. Step 2: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini following the package directions. 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 until the dressing is well blended.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked tortellini, drained pepperoncini peppers, Parmesan cheese, chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and chopped bacon to the dressing. Gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
5. Step 5: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld. Stir before serving and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra freshness, add chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving.
• Substitute turkey bacon or omit bacon for a vegetarian option.
• Use a mix of red and yellow grape tomatoes for added color.

Storage

Store the tortellini salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving again. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and may thicken as it sits; you can add a splash of milk or additional vinegar if needed to loosen the dressing.

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 and usually requires less cooking time. Just be sure to cook according to package instructions and cool before mixing with the dressing.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This tortellini salad keeps well in the fridge and makes a convenient, flavorful meal prep option. Just store it in a sealed container and enjoy within three days.

Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 107 reviews

A flavorful and creamy Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad combining cheesy tortellini, crispy bacon, tangy pepperoncini, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfectly chilled, this salad offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes, making it an ideal dish for gatherings or a satisfying meal on its own.

• Author: Victoria
• 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 crispy. Remove, drain the excess grease, and place the bacon on paper towels to absorb any remaining oil. Once cooled, 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 until tender. Drain the tortellini and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.
3. 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 well until the dressing is smooth and fully blended.
4. Assemble the Salad: To the bowl with the dressing, add the cooked tortellini, drained pepperoncini peppers, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and crumbled bacon. Gently toss all ingredients so they are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld wonderfully. Before serving, give the salad a final stir and enjoy your delicious Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad.

Notes

• For best flavor, chill the salad for at least one hour before serving.
• You can substitute turkey bacon for a leaner option.
• Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the freshness.
• Use low-fat mayonnaise to reduce fat content if desired.
• Make sure to rinse the tortellini with cold water to prevent sticking and overcooking.

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