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Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 118 reviews

A refreshing and flavorful Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad featuring tender cheese tortellini, crispy bacon, tangy pepperoncini, fresh tomatoes, and a creamy homemade Italian herb dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a delightful side dish.

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
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (Hellmann’s recommended)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano or 1 tbsp fresh oregano, 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)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bacon: Cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease, then 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 al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well until the dressing is fully blended and smooth.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Add the cooled tortellini, pepperoncini peppers, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and chopped bacon to the bowl with dressing. Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly coated with dressing.
  5. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and enjoy.

Notes

  • Ensure the tortellini is cooked al dente to maintain its texture in the salad.
  • For a spicier kick, add more crushed red pepper to the dressing.
  • This salad can be made a day ahead to enhance flavors even more.
  • If preferred, substitute mayonnaise with a lighter dressing for a lower calorie option.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor impact.

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

Find it online: https://topreci.com/fresh-grinder-tortellini-salad-recipe/