why make this recipe
Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad is a delightful dish that captures the essence of Italian flavors in a simple and refreshing way. This salad is not only colorful but also packed with proteins and veggies, making it a great choice for lunch or a light dinner. The mix of soft tortellini, savory salami, and tangy dressing creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for picnics, parties, or meal prep.
how to make Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad
Ingredients :
- 2 cups tortellini
- 1 cup salami, diced
- 1 cup provolone cheese, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, salami, provolone cheese, cherry tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, black olives, pepperoncini, and fresh basil.
- Drizzle with Italian dressing and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
how to serve Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad
Serve the Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad chilled or at room temperature. It works well as a main dish or as a side salad. You can garnish it with some extra fresh basil or a sprinkle of cheese for added flavor. Pair it with crusty bread, and you have a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
how to store Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad
Store any leftover Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for about 3 days. If the salad becomes too dry after a day, you can stir in a little extra Italian dressing before serving again.
tips to make Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortellini.
- You can add other vegetables like cucumbers or carrots for extra crunch.
- To make it even easier, you can use pre-cooked tortellini that only needs to be warmed.
variation (if any)
Feel free to customize the salad by adding different proteins like chicken or shrimp. You can also substitute the Italian dressing with a balsamic vinaigrette for a different flavor twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works just as well! Just follow the cooking instructions on the package.
2. How long can I keep the salad in the refrigerator?
The salad will last for about 3 days in the fridge. However, for the best taste and texture, eat it within the first couple of days.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Just make it a few hours ahead or the night before to let the flavors meld together.
Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups tortellini
- 1 cup salami, diced
- 1 cup provolone cheese, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, salami, provolone cheese, cherry tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, black olives, pepperoncini, and fresh basil.
- Drizzle with Italian dressing and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.