Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe
This Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad is a flavorful and hearty pasta salad combining tender cheese tortellini, crispy bacon, tangy pepperoncini, grape tomatoes, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfectly chilled, it makes an ideal dish for potlucks, picnics, or a satisfying light lunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
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. Drain the grease and place the bacon on paper towels to absorb excess 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 stove. Add the frozen cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until tender. Drain the tortellini and rinse under cold water to stop further 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 thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended.
- Assemble the Salad: To the bowl with the dressing, add the cooled tortellini, drained pepperoncini peppers, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and chopped crispy bacon. Gently toss all ingredients until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, give the salad a good stir and enjoy chilled for best taste.
Notes
- Use quality frozen cheese tortellini for best results.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes for desired heat level.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with a low-fat Greek yogurt blend.
- The salad is best served chilled but can be served at room temperature if needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: tortellini salad, bacon pasta salad, cheese tortellini recipe, easy pasta salad, make-ahead salad, Italian salad
Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/fresh-grinder-tortellini-salad-recipe/
