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Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad

Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad: Your New Go-To Easy Lunch

This Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad combines hearty deli flavors and tender cheese tortellini for a satisfying quick lunch or dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad Base
  • 1 package Cheese Tortellini substitute with spinach or sausage tortellini for a flavor twist
  • 4 oz Salami adds rich, slightly spicy deli flavor
  • 4 oz Pepperoni can substitute with capicola
  • 4 oz Deli Turkey or Ham substitute ham with roast beef
  • 2 cups Romaine Lettuce add just before serving
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes substitute with grape tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion substitute with green onions for a milder flavor
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoncini can also use banana peppers
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Pearls substitute with cubed provolone
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese ensure it's grated for even distribution
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise or use Greek yogurt for a lighter option
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar or use apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil omit for a lighter dressing
  • 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard reduce for a milder taste
  • 1 clove Garlic can use garlic powder as a substitute
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning can swap for fresh herbs
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until tender but not overcooked. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning until smooth and creamy. Adjust for salt, pepper, and tang.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, diced salami, pepperoni, deli turkey or ham, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, pepperoncini, mozzarella pearls, and grated Parmesan cheese. Gently mix to ensure even distribution.
  4. Pour the creamy dressing over the combined ingredients and gently toss until coated. Be careful not to mash the ingredients.
  5. Just before serving, add the chopped romaine lettuce to the salad mixture and gently fold until incorporated.
  6. For the best flavor, chill the assembled salad in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow the salad to chill for improved flavor and maintain the lettuce's crisp texture by adding it just before serving.

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