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Creamy Grinder Tortellini Salad

Creamy Grinder Tortellini Salad - featured image
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A crowd-pleasing pasta salad that combines the classic flavors of a grinder sandwich—Italian meats, cheese, tangy banana peppers, and crisp veggies—with creamy cheese tortellini and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for summer parties, potlucks, or easy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini (or frozen, cooked according to package)
  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup sliced banana peppers
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 4 oz sliced salami, cut into strips
  • 4 oz sliced ham, cut into strips
  • 4 oz sliced turkey or chicken breast, cut into strips (optional)
  • 4 oz provolone cheese, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or avocado mayo)
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pepperoncini
  • Optional: 1/2 cup diced roasted red peppers

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions (3-5 minutes for refrigerated, 6-7 for frozen). Stir gently to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse briefly with cold water.
  2. While tortellini cools, chop romaine lettuce into thin ribbons, halve cherry tomatoes, and slice red onion into thin rings. If onions are too sharp, soak in cold water for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
  3. Slice banana peppers and black olives (if using). Cut salami, ham, and turkey/chicken into thin strips. Cube provolone cheese and shred parmesan cheese.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt/pepper to taste until smooth and creamy.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked tortellini, meats, cheese, banana peppers, olives, veggies, and half the parmesan. Pour dressing over the top.
  6. Toss gently with tongs to combine. If salad looks dry, add a splash of olive oil or more mayo.
  7. Sprinkle remaining parmesan and extra herbs over the salad. Cover and chill for 20-30 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Before serving, give the salad a quick toss. Garnish with extra banana peppers, cherry tomatoes, or fresh basil if desired.

Notes

For best texture, use refrigerated tortellini and add lettuce just before serving. Easily customize with vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free swaps. Chill salad for 20-30 minutes for optimal flavor. If prepping ahead, store lettuce and dressing separately. Taste and adjust seasoning as you go.

Nutrition

Keywords: tortellini salad, grinder salad, pasta salad, summer salad, party dish, Italian meats, creamy dressing, banana peppers, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/creamy-grinder-tortellini-salad-recipe-easy-summer-party-dish/