Easy Tasty Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe | Flavorful Pasta Salad
Cheese-filled tortellini tossed with crisp vegetables, savory grinder-style toppings, and a creamy dressing. This hearty pasta salad is bursting with flavor, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick family meal.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated preferred)
- 1 cup deli meats (salami, turkey, ham), chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- Banana peppers
- Olives
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook until tender but not mushy, usually 7–9 minutes. Drain well and rinse briefly under cool water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool completely before mixing into salad.
- Prepare Ingredients Chop deli meats into bite-sized pieces. Slice cherry tomatoes, shred lettuce, and thinly slice red onion. Keep pieces uniform for balanced bites.
- Make the Dressing In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more vinegar for tang or mayo for creaminess.
- Combine Everything In a large bowl, toss cooled tortellini with dressing. Add meats, tomatoes, lettuce, and onion. Mix gently to coat evenly. Add optional peppers, olives, or parmesan.
- Chill Before Serving Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows flavors to meld and ensures a refreshing texture. Serve cold.