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Tasty Grinder Tortellini Salad

A viral, creamy, and tangy pasta salad combining cheese tortellini, crispy bacon, tomatoes, and red onions tossed in a zesty Italian grinder dressing.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Base
  • 16 oz cheese tortellini fresh or frozen
  • 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 0.5 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
Grinder Dressing
  • 0.75 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board and knife

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Drain tortellini and rinse immediately under cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  4. Add the cooked bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion to the bowl with the cooled tortellini.
  5. Pour the grinder dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld before serving.

Notes

If making a day ahead, you may need to add a splash of extra mayonnaise and vinegar before serving, as the pasta will absorb the dressing.