Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe
A flavorful and creamy Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad featuring al dente cheese tortellini, crispy bacon, tangy pepperoncini, fresh grape tomatoes, and a zesty homemade Italian herb dressing. Perfect chilled for a refreshing side dish or light meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup mayonnaise (preferably Hellmann’s)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh, finely chopped)
Salad
- 1/3 cup drained pepperoncini peppers (thinly sliced or roughly chopped)
- 8 slices cooked crumbled bacon
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion (finely chopped for milder flavor)
- 19 oz frozen cheese tortellini (cooked al dente according to package directions)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bacon: Cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain the excess grease and transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any remaining oil. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
- Cook the Cheese Tortellini: Bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stovetop. Cook the frozen cheese tortellini following the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, oregano, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly to create a smooth and well-blended dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: To the bowl with the dressing, add the cooled tortellini, pepperoncini peppers, Parmesan cheese, chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and chopped bacon. Gently toss all ingredients until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and enjoy this tasty bacon tortellini salad.
Notes
- For a milder onion flavor, finely chop the red onion or soak it briefly in cold water before adding.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to taste if you prefer less heat.
- This salad can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Make sure to rinse the tortellini with cold water to prevent it from sticking and overcooking.
Keywords: tortellini salad, bacon tortellini salad, Italian pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, cheese tortellini salad, pepperoncini salad, easy pasta salad recipe
Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/fresh-grinder-tortellini-salad-recipe/
