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Tasty Grinder Tortellini Salad

A viral, 4-ingredient-based creamy pasta salad featuring cheese tortellini, crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy grinder-style dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 8 slices bacon cooked crispy and chopped
  • 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes red and yellow, halved
  • 0.5 cup red onion thinly sliced
Grinder Dressing
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 0.25 cup parmesan cheese grated, plus more for garnish
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly cracked
  • 0.25 tsp salt to taste

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Skillet or Baking Sheet

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package directions (usually 3-5 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water until cool.
  2. Cook the bacon until extra crispy. Drain on paper towels, cool, and chop into pieces.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, grated parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Stir the thinly sliced red onions into the dressing mixture and let sit for 5 minutes.
  5. Add the cooled tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped bacon to the bowl with the dressing.
  6. Toss gently until all ingredients are thoroughly coated in the creamy dressing.
  7. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and black pepper. Serve immediately or cover and chill in the refrigerator.

Notes

If making ahead, reserve the chopped bacon and a little bit of the dressing to toss in right before serving so the bacon stays crispy and the pasta stays creamy.