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Creamy Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad with cheese tortellini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, provolone, and a zesty dressing in a bowl.

Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad

This Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad is a fun twist on the viral grinder sandwich — a hearty, flavor-packed pasta salad featuring cheese tortellini, crisp veggies, Italian meats, and a creamy grinder-style dressing. Perfect for picnics, parties, or an easy make-ahead meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 20 oz cheese tortellini fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup romaine lettuce shredded
  • 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini drained
  • 1/2 cup salami chopped or sliced
  • 1/2 cup ham chopped
  • 1/2 cup provolone cheese cubed or shredded
Grinder Dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Colander
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Cook the tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine cooled tortellini, shredded romaine, red onion, cherry tomatoes, pepperoncini, salami, ham, and provolone cheese.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and olive oil until smooth and creamy.
  4. Pour the grinder dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
  6. Serve cold, garnished with extra pepperoncini or shredded lettuce if desired.

Notes

This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors blend. You can swap the meats for turkey or make it vegetarian by skipping them and adding chickpeas or extra veggies.