Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe

Introduction

The Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines tender cheese tortellini with classic Italian deli meats and a tangy, creamy dressing. Perfect for potlucks or a refreshing weeknight meal, this salad captures all the deliciousness of an Italian sub in a colorful, satisfying bowl.

Ingredients

• Dressing:
• ¾ cup (174 g) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• Salad:
• 19 ounces cheese tortellini, cooked according to package instructions, then cooled
• ⅓ cup pepperoncini, drained and chopped
• ⅓ cup (33 g) parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ medium red onion, diced
• 1 cup (180 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (237 g) sliced pepperoni, chopped
• 1 cup (237 g) sliced salami, chopped
• 1 cup (135 g) deli ham, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, black pepper, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
2. Step 2: Add the cooked and cooled tortellini to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to coat the pasta evenly.
3. Step 3: Add the pepperoncini, parmesan cheese, diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped pepperoni, salami, and deli ham to the bowl.
4. Step 4: Using a large spoon or rubber spatula, gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well coated and evenly mixed.
5. Step 5: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill and allow the flavors to meld.
6. Step 6: Before serving, stir the salad once more to refresh the dressing. Serve cold and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add chopped celery or bell peppers to the salad.
• Use tri-color tortellini for a more vibrant presentation.
• Substitute the red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a milder tang.
• Make it vegetarian by omitting the deli meats and adding roasted vegetables or olives.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors improve after resting, but the salad is best enjoyed within this time to keep the tortellini and vegetables fresh. When ready to eat, give it a gentle stir; it is delicious served cold straight from the fridge.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, this salad benefits from chilling for at least an hour to allow the flavors to blend. You can prepare it up to a day ahead and store it refrigerated.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is traditional here, you can substitute with other stuffed pastas like ravioli or even small pasta shapes like rotini or penne for a different texture.

Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 76 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad combining tender cheese tortellini with classic Italian deli meats, fresh vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a satisfying lunch or dinner, this salad captures the essence of an Italian sub in a fresh and easy-to-make pasta salad.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (to cook tortellini)
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dressing

• ¾ cup (174 g) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Salad

• 19 ounces cheese tortellini, cooked according to package instructions, then cooled
• ⅓ cup pepperoncini, drained and chopped
• ⅓ cup (33 g) parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ medium red onion, diced
• 1 cup (180 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (237 g) sliced pepperoni, chopped
• 1 cup (237 g) sliced salami, chopped
• 1 cup (135 g) deli ham, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Add tortellini: Add the cooked and cooled cheese tortellini to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss the tortellini to evenly coat each piece with the dressing.
3. Add vegetables and meats: Add chopped pepperoncini, grated parmesan cheese, diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped pepperoni, chopped salami, and chopped deli ham to the bowl.
4. Combine all ingredients: Using a large spoon or rubber spatula, gently toss all the ingredients together until the tortellini is well coated and the salad components are evenly mixed.
5. Chill the salad: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill and allow the flavors to meld and develop.
6. Serve: Before serving, give the salad one more gentle stir to refresh the dressing coating. Serve the salad cold and enjoy.

Notes

• This salad is great for meal prep and holds well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Feel free to substitute the cheese tortellini with your favorite pasta shape if preferred.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
• Make sure to cool the tortellini completely before adding it to the dressing to prevent it from getting soggy.
• The salad can be customized by adding other Italian cold cuts or vegetables according to taste.

Keywords: Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad, Italian pasta salad, tortellini salad, deli meat salad, potluck salad, easy pasta salad