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Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe

Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe

Are you looking for the ultimate summer side dish? Look no further than this amazing Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad recipe. It brings together everything you love about a classic Italian grinder sandwich but flips it into a pasta salad.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 8
Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling the pasta
  • Colander for draining and cooling
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Whisk or small fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Large mixing spoon or spatula

Ingredients
  

  • Refrigerated cheese tortellini – 20 ounces
  • Genoa salami – 4 ounces, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • Pepperoni slices – 4 ounces, quartered
  • Provolone cheese – 4 ounces, cubed
  • Iceberg lettuce – 1 cup, finely shredded
  • Red onion – 1/2 cup, finely diced
  • Banana peppers or pepperoncini – 1/2 cup, sliced
  • Cherry tomatoes – 1/2 cup, halved
  • Mayonnaise – 1/2 cup
  • Red wine vinegar – 1/4 cup
  • Italian seasoning – 1 tablespoon
  • Garlic – 1 clove, minced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

1. Cook the Tortellini

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil on your stove. Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions, which usually takes about three to five minutes.

2. Drain and Cool the Pasta

  • Pour the cooked pasta into a colander in your sink to drain the hot water completely. Run cold water over the tortellini for a minute so it stops cooking and cools down quickly.

3. Chop the Mix-Ins

  • Place your salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, red onion, and cherry tomatoes onto a sturdy cutting board. Use a sharp knife to chop everything into small, bite-sized pieces so they mix together evenly later.

4. Whisk the Creamy Dressing

  • In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and dried Italian seasoning. Whisk the mixture vigorously with a fork until it becomes completely smooth, creamy, and well blended.

5. Combine All Ingredients

  • Transfer the cooled tortellini into your largest mixing bowl along with the chopped meats, cheese, and vegetables. Pour the creamy dressing over the top and gently fold everything together with a large spoon.

6. Chill and Serve

  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Just before serving, stir in the freshly shredded iceberg lettuce so it stays perfectly crisp and green.

Notes

  • Swap the meats: You can easily use turkey pepperoni, ham, or prosciutto if you want a different flavor profile.
  • Add more crunch: Toss in some diced green bell peppers or chopped celery for an extra layer of texture.
  • Make it lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to cut down on calories without losing the creamy texture.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing if you love a spicy kick.
  • Keep lettuce separate: Only add the lettuce right before serving so it does not get soggy in the fridge.
  • Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days.
  • Do not freeze this salad because the mayonnaise dressing will separate and the lettuce will turn mushy.
Keyword Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe