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Tasty Grinder Tortellini Salad

A creamy, flavor-packed pasta salad inspired by the viral Italian grinder sandwich trend. Features cheese tortellini, crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and red onion tossed in a tangy, herbaceous dressing.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Base
  • 1 lb cheese tortellini fresh or frozen
  • 8-10 strips bacon cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 0.25 medium red onion thinly sliced
Creamy Grinder Dressing
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp pepperoncini juice optional, from the jar
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • to taste salt and black pepper
Toppings
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Cook tortellini in salted boiling water according to package directions for al dente. Drain and rinse immediately with cold water to cool. Set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a skillet until very crispy. Drain on paper towels, let cool, then crumble.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini juice (if using), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, halved tomatoes, sliced red onion, and about 3/4 of the crumbled bacon.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  7. Before serving, toss again and top with remaining bacon, shredded Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.

Notes

For a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes and drain before adding to the salad. Do not skip rinsing the pasta, as cooling it prevents it from absorbing all the dressing immediately.