Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe

Introduction

This fresh grinder tortellini salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for warm days or as a hearty side. With tender cheese tortellini, crispy bacon, and a tangy, herb-packed dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together easily.

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: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then 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 instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking, then 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 well combined.
4. Step 4: Add the cooled tortellini, pepperoncini peppers, parmesan cheese, chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and crumbled bacon to the dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Step 5: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld. Stir well before serving and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add chopped celery or bell peppers.
• Swap bacon for cooked Italian sausage for a different protein option.
• If you prefer a lighter dressing, replace half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to brighten the flavor.

Storage

Store the tortellini salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, and enjoy it chilled 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 cook it according to package instructions, drain, and rinse before adding to the salad.

How can I make this salad vegetarian?

Simply omit the bacon and consider adding toasted nuts or chickpeas for protein and texture.

Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 126 reviews

This Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad is a flavorful and hearty pasta salad featuring tender cheese tortellini, crispy bacon, and a tangy homemade dressing with pepperoncini peppers and parmesan cheese. Perfectly chilled and tossed together, this salad is a delightful combination of creamy, savory, and zesty flavors, ideal for potlucks, picnics, or a light meal.

• Author: Grace
• 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

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: Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once cooked, drain the grease and transfer the bacon to a paper towel to soak up excess 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 water to a boil on the stovetop. Add the frozen cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until tender. Drain the tortellini and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Set aside.
3. Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Stir vigorously until all ingredients are fully blended into a smooth, creamy dressing.
4. Assemble the Salad: To the bowl with the dressing, add the cooled cheese tortellini, drained pepperoncini peppers, grated parmesan cheese, chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and chopped bacon. Gently toss everything together to ensure the ingredients 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 to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to properly chill. Before serving, stir the salad once more, then plate and enjoy your fresh and tasty tortellini salad.

Notes

• For best texture, make sure to rinse the tortellini with cold water after cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• You can substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon for a leaner option.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra freshness if desired.
• This salad can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
• If you prefer it less spicy, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.

Keywords: tortellini salad, bacon tortellini salad, pasta salad, cheese tortellini, pepperoncini salad, cold pasta salad, picnic salad, Italian salad