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Italian tortellini salad with salami and provolone — Potluck-ready make-ahead side Pinterest recipe pin

Italian Tortellini Grinder Salad

A chilled pasta salad that recreates Italian grinder flavors with cheese tortellini, salami, provolone, crisp veggies, and a tangy vinaigrette that stays bright.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 8 ounces salami diced (or turkey salami)
  • 6 ounces provolone cheese cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber seeded and diced
  • 1/2 cup roasted red peppers drained and chopped
  • 1/3 cup pepperoncini sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped
Dressing
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 small garlic clove minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper for heat optional

Equipment

  • 1 6- to 8-quart pot
  • 1 Large rimmed sheet pan
  • 1 Large mixing bowl (4–6 quarts)
  • 1 Medium mixing bowl for dressing

Method
 

Prepare the dressing
  1. In a medium bowl whisk together olive oil, red vinegar, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth; set aside and reserve about 1 tablespoon for warming the tortellini.
Cook tortellini
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the refrigerated tortellini according to package directions, typically 3–5 minutes, until tender but still slightly firm to the bite; drain in a colander.
  2. Transfer the hot tortellini to a rimmed sheet pan and drizzle the reserved 1 tablespoon dressing over it; toss gently to coat and let cool for 8–10 minutes.
Assemble the salad
  1. In a large mixing bowl combine diced salami, provolone cubes, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped roasted red peppers, sliced pepperoncini, diced red onion, and chopped parsley.
  2. Add the cooled tortellini to the bowl and pour the remaining dressing over the salad; toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  3. Season to taste with additional salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
  4. Cover and chill the salad 20–30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature; stir again before plating.

Notes

Use refrigerated cheese tortellini for the best texture and cook to al dente. Drain jarred roasted peppers and pat cucumbers dry to avoid excess moisture. Components can be prepped a day ahead but toss with dressing and chill no more than 24 hours for best texture.