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Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad

Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad: A Creamy, Summery Delight

Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad is a light and flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Salad Base
  • 16 oz Frozen Cheese Tortellini or fresh tortellini for a fresher taste
  • 6 slices Bacon or turkey bacon for a healthier alternative
  • 1 cup Pepperoncini Peppers or banana peppers as a substitution
  • 1 medium Red Onion or yellow onion for milder flavor
  • 1 cup Tomatoes cherry tomatoes are convenient
Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter option
  • 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar or apple cider vinegar if needed
  • 1 tsp Salt to taste
  • 1 tsp Oregano can swap for Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning or individual dried herbs like basil
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder or fresh minced garlic for intense flavor
  • 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes omit for a milder dish
Finishing Touches
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese or Pecorino Romano for a twist
  • 1/4 cup Additional Dressing for touch-up before serving

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • spatula

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips until they’re crispy, about 7–10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
    Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the frozen cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, typically about 3–5 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
    Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
    Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad
  4. Add the cooked tortellini, chopped pepperoncini, grated Parmesan cheese, diced red onion, halved tomatoes, and crispy bacon to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat.
    Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad
  5. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
    Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad
  6. Before serving, stir to redistribute the dressing. Garnish with additional Parmesan and serve.
    Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow the salad to chill for at least 2 hours for best flavor. Experiment by adding different veggies or proteins as desired.

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