Description: This vibrant and flavorful Grinder Salad Tortellini Pasta Salad takes all the best elements of a classic deli grinder sandwich and transforms them into a refreshing, satisfying, and incredibly easy-to-make pasta salad. Packed with cheese tortellini, crisp romaine lettuce, tangy banana peppers, savory Italian deli meats, and a creamy, zesty dressing, this salad is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, lunch, or a light dinner. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini, cooked according to package directions and cooled completely.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor)
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (adds a necessary tang)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (provides depth and a slight bite)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (enhances the overall savory flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (adds a subtle sweetness and aroma)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (adjust according to preference)
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce (crisp and refreshing)
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion (adds a sharp, pungent flavor)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (sweet and juicy burst of flavor)
- 1/2 cup banana pepper rings (tangy, slightly spicy, and adds a nice crunch)
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (adds a salty, briny flavor)
- 1/2 cup chopped salami (Italian dry salami is recommended for best flavor)
- 1/2 cup chopped ham (deli ham or leftover cooked ham works well)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese (adds a creamy, mild cheesy flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional, adds freshness and visual appeal)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become mushy. You want them to be al dente. Drain the cooked tortellini immediately and rinse thoroughly with cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Spread the tortellini on a baking sheet or in a single layer to cool completely. This step is crucial; adding warm pasta to the dressing will make the salad soggy.
Step 2: While the tortellini is cooking and cooling, prepare the dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is smooth and well-combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add a little more red wine vinegar for extra tang, or a pinch more salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the salad ingredients. Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Slice the black olives. Chop the salami and ham into small, uniform pieces. If using, chop the fresh parsley.
Step 4: Once the tortellini is completely cool, add it to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to coat the tortellini evenly with the dressing.
Step 5: Add the chopped romaine lettuce, red onion, cherry tomatoes, banana pepper rings, olives, salami, ham, and cheese to the bowl. Gently fold all of the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed throughout the pasta salad. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the salad ingredients mushy.
Step 6: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer, to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly. The longer the salad sits in the refrigerator, the better the flavors will develop.
Step 7: Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve cold.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Effortless Preparation: This salad is incredibly easy and quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The prep work is minimal, and the assembly is a breeze.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of the creamy dressing, the tangy banana peppers, the salty deli meats, and the sweet cherry tomatoes creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Substitute different types of pasta, cheeses, meats, or vegetables to create your own unique variation.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This salad is always a hit at parties and potlucks. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad actually tastes better after it has had a chance to sit in the refrigerator for a while, making it the perfect make-ahead dish for any occasion.
COOKING Rating: 5/5 Stars
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course for lunch or a light dinner.
- Bring it to a potluck, barbecue, or picnic.
- Pack it in a container for a delicious and convenient lunch on the go.
- Serve it as a side dish to grilled chicken, fish, or burgers.
- Pair it with a crusty baguette or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use high-quality ingredients, especially the mayonnaise and deli meats.
- Don’t overcook the tortellini, as it will become mushy. Cook it al dente.
- Make sure to cool the tortellini completely before adding it to the dressing, or the salad will become soggy.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your liking. If you don’t like spice, omit them altogether.
- Feel free to substitute different types of cheeses, meats, or vegetables to create your own unique variation.
- This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes + chilling time
Nutritional Information: (approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg (can vary depending on the meats and cheese used)
Conclusion:
The Grinder Salad Tortellini Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on a classic deli favorite. Its ease of preparation, combined with its vibrant flavors and customizable ingredients, makes it a recipe you’ll turn to time and time again. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, or a refreshing summer salad, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a truly exceptional pasta salad experience.
5 Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! In fact, this salad tastes even better when made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld and develop. Prepare the salad as directed and store it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours, before serving. Just give it a gentle toss before serving.
Q2: Can I substitute any of the ingredients?
A2: Yes, this recipe is very versatile! Feel free to substitute ingredients to suit your preferences. For example, you could use rotini or penne pasta instead of tortellini. You could also use different types of cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack. As for meats, try pepperoni, prosciutto, or turkey. For vegetables, consider adding bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots.
Q3: How can I make this salad healthier?
A3: There are several ways to make this salad healthier. Use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead of regular mayonnaise to reduce the fat content. Load up on the vegetables and use lean deli meats. Whole wheat pasta can also be subbed for standard pasta.
Q4: Can I add more heat to the salad?
A4: Definitely! If you like a spicier salad, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. You could also use spicy salami or add some jalapeno slices to the salad.
Q5: How long will this salad last in the refrigerator?
A5: This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. After 3 days, the lettuce and other ingredients may start to wilt.
