Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/fresh-grinder-tortellini-salad-recipe/
