Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe
This Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender cheese tortellini with a zesty homemade dressing, pepperoncini, Parmesan, fresh vegetables, and a variety of Italian deli meats. Perfectly chilled, it’s an easy and hearty salad ideal for lunch, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
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 and 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
- Whisk Dressing Ingredients: 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 becomes smooth and creamy, forming the dressing base.
- Add Cooked Tortellini to Dressing: Ensure the cheese tortellini has been cooked according to package instructions and cooled. Add the tortellini to the bowl with the dressing and gently toss to evenly coat all pieces with the creamy mixture.
- Incorporate Vegetables and Meats: Add chopped pepperoncini, grated Parmesan cheese, diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and the chopped slices of pepperoni, salami, and deli ham to the bowl.
- Toss All Ingredients Together: Using a large spoon or rubber spatula, gently mix all ingredients until the tortellini and other components are uniformly coated and well combined.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve Cold: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to refresh the dressing and flavor distribution. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For best results, cook the tortellini just until al dente and rinse under cold water to cool and stop further cooking.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes if you prefer less heat.
- You can substitute deli ham with turkey or chicken if preferred.
- This salad improves in flavor if made a few hours ahead or the day before serving.
- Consume within 2-3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Keywords: Italian salad, tortellini salad, Italian deli meat salad, cold pasta salad, make-ahead lunch
