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Grinder Tortellini Salad

Creamy Grinder Tortellini Salad: Your New Summer Fave

Discover the perfect summer dish with this creamy Grinder Tortellini Salad, featuring cheese tortellini, crispy bacon, and customizable ingredients.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 12 oz Frozen Cheese Tortellini or fresh tortellini for a lighter flavor
  • 6 slices Bacon turkey bacon is a lighter alternative
  • 1 cup Pepperoncini Peppers or banana peppers for a milder kick
  • 1 small Red Onion or sweet onions for a gentler taste
  • 1 cup Sliced Tomatoes preferably cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese or Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative
  • 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano fresh herbs can elevate the flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder fresh garlic offers a more robust flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes adjust according to your heat preference

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Medium Bowl
  • Pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • plastic wrap

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, heat to medium and fry the sliced bacon until crispy and golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
  2. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Prepare the Tortellini: Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the frozen cheese tortellini. Cook until al dente, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Drain the tortellini in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool them down.
  5. Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, oregano, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
  6. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add cooled tortellini, chopped bacon, sliced pepperoncini, diced red onion, and halved tomatoes. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, then drizzle with creamy dressing and fold gently.
  7. Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  8. Serve: Give the salad a gentle stir and serve cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 15gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

This salad is easily adjustable; feel free to swap ingredients to suit your taste and add your favorite veggies or proteins.

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