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Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad

Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad: A Chill Summer Delight

This Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad is a refreshing and vibrant summer dish that combines cheesy tortellini with zesty ingredients.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 12 oz Frozen Cheese Tortellini Fresh tortellini offers a superior texture.
  • 6 slices Bacon Cook until crispy and drain well.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Can substitute with green onions for a milder taste.
  • 1 cup Tomatoes (sliced) Consider using cherry tomatoes for natural sweetness.
  • ½ cup Pepperoncini Peppers Swap with banana peppers if desired.
For the Dressing
  • ½ cup Mayonnaise Substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar Apple cider vinegar works well as a substitute.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to personal preference.
  • 1 tsp Oregano Dried oregano is a great option.
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning Optional but highly recommended.
  • ½ tsp Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be used for a more robust taste.
  • ¼ tsp Red Pepper Flakes Omit or reduce for a milder salad.
For Topping
  • ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese Substitute with any hard cheese if needed.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • paper towels

Method
 

Making the Salad
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the frozen cheese tortellini. Cook according to package instructions, around 3-5 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
  4. Add the cooled tortellini, chopped bacon, pepperoncini, Parmesan cheese, sliced red onion, and fresh tomatoes to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a stir to redistribute the dressing and enjoy it cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, allow the salad to chill for at least 2 hours and adjust seasonings to taste.

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