Best grinder tortellini salad is about to become your new favorite lunch, picnic side, or potluck star! Think of your favorite Italian grinder sandwich, but in pasta salad form. This recipe is packed with savory meats, cheeses, and a tangy, zesty dressing that brings it all together. This is the best grinder tortellini salad and it’s so quick and easy to make, you’ll be wondering where it’s been all your life!
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I first made this salad for a backyard barbecue, and it was gone in minutes. Everyone raved about the flavors, and it’s been a requested dish ever since. It’s the perfect mix of comforting and exciting, just like I strive for in all my recipes. Follow us on Pinterest for more recipes that respect your time and your love for great taste!
Why You Will Love This best grinder tortellini salad Recipe
This best grinder tortellini salad recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First, it’s unbelievably easy to throw together. There’s minimal cooking involved – just boil the tortellini! The rest is simply chopping and mixing.
Second, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of cured meats, provolone cheese, and the bright, tangy dressing is simply irresistible. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients. Don’t like salami? Swap it for pepperoni! Want more veggies? Add some roasted red peppers.
Finally, it’s perfect for meal prepping. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Make a batch on Sunday, and you’ll have delicious lunches all week. Think of it like a deconstructed grinder sandwich, but even more fun! It reminds me of carefree summer days and potlucks with friends. Looking for another easy breakfast option? Check out my easy sausage and egg casserole, best breakfast recipe ever!
Ingredients Needed for This best grinder tortellini salad Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious and easy salad:
- Tortellini: 1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- Salami: 4 ounces, thinly sliced and chopped
- Provolone Cheese: 4 ounces, thinly sliced and chopped
- Ham: 4 ounces, thinly sliced and chopped
- Red Onion: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
- Banana Peppers: 1/4 cup, sliced (jarred is fine)
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup
- Red Wine Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (or more, to taste)
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
How to Make This best grinder tortellini salad Recipe
- 1. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions. Drain the tortellini and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also help prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- 2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
- 3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, salami, provolone cheese, ham, red onion, banana peppers, cherry tomatoes, and parsley.
- 4. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
- 5. Chill (Optional): For best results, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to become even more delicious. If you’re looking for something warm and comforting after this cool dish, try my 12 Best Delicious And Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipes The Little Shine 2.
How to Serve This best grinder tortellini salad Recipe
This best grinder tortellini salad is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:
- Serve it chilled: This salad is best served cold.
- As a side dish: Pair it with grilled chicken, burgers, or sandwiches.
- As a light lunch: It’s perfect for a quick and easy lunch.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle with extra parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese: For an extra cheesy touch.
How to Store This best grinder tortellini salad Recipe
- Refrigeration: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Shelf life: It will keep for 3-4 days. The quality might slightly decrease over time as the dressing softens the pasta.
- Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the tortellini and vegetables can become mushy when thawed.
- Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so reheating is not necessary.
Tips to Make This best grinder tortellini salad Recipe
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the salad will taste.
- Don’t overcook the tortellini: Overcooked tortellini will be mushy. Cook it al dente for the best texture.
- Customize the ingredients: Feel free to swap out any of the meats, cheeses, or vegetables for your favorites.
- Make the dressing ahead of time: The dressing can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Taste and adjust seasonings: Always taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Helpful Notes for This best grinder tortellini salad Recipe
- Tortellini variations: You can use any type of tortellini you like. Cheese filled is classic, but spinach and ricotta or even meat filled would also work well.
- Meat variations: Feel free to use any combination of Italian cold cuts like pepperoni, capicola, or mortadella.
- Cheese variations: Instead of provolone, try mozzarella or a sharp provolone for a bolder flavor.
- Vinegar Substitution: If you don’t have red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute.
- Consider these tips for extra success for this dish; if you are short on time, you can find pre-chopped ingredients at most grocery stores.
Variation of This best grinder tortellini salad Recipe
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing or use spicy salami.
- Vegetarian version: Omit the meats and add more vegetables, such as artichoke hearts, sun dried tomatoes, and olives.
- Caprese version: Use fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze instead of the grinder ingredients and dressing. Think the best hot chocolate ever crock pot recipe 3 as a dessert after!
- Seasonal twist: Add grilled corn and bell peppers in the summer, or roasted butternut squash and cranberries in the fall.
What exactly is grinder tortellini salad?
Grinder tortellini salad is a pasta salad inspired by Italian-American grinder sandwiches. It typically includes cheese-filled tortellini, assorted Italian deli meats and cheeses, and a tangy vinaigrette.
What are some good variations for best grinder tortellini salad?
You can customize your grinder tortellini salad by adding different meats (such as pepperoni, salami, or prosciutto), cheeses (like provolone or mozzarella), or vegetables, such as roasted red peppers and artichoke hearts. Adjusting the dressing’s ingredients is another way to personalize the salad.
How long does best grinder tortellini salad last?
Grinder tortellini salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dressing may cause the pasta to soften slightly over time, so it’s best to add it shortly before serving.
Can I make grinder tortellini salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the individual components ahead of time. Cook the tortellini, chop the ingredients, and make the dressing. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What is the ‘grinder’ name referring to?
The term ‘grinder’ in this context alludes to the layered ingredients and robust flavors, similar to those found in a classic Italian-American grinder sandwich. It signifies a hearty and flavorful combination.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – the best grinder tortellini salad recipe that is sure to be a hit at your next gathering or simply as a satisfying lunch. With its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, this best grinder tortellini salad is a recipe you’ll be making again and again. Don’t forget to adjust the ingredients and dressing to your liking, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating something delicious! Let me know in the comments how you like it!
