Description
This Delicious Fresh Grinder Tortellini Salad combines the comforting flavors of a deli grinder sandwich with the freshness of a salad. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- Fresh Cheese Tortellini
- Sliced Turkey Breast
- Thinly Sliced Roast Beef
- Beef Salami
- Provolone Cheese
- Fresh Mozzarella (Bocconcini)
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Romaine Lettuce
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Red Onion
- Green Bell Pepper
- Pepperoncini Peppers
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Dried Oregano
- Garlic Powder
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Dijon Mustard
- Sugar or Maple Syrup
- Salt and Black Pepper
- Pepperoncini Brine
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your fresh cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions. Fresh tortellini usually only takes 2-3 minutes. You want them al dente – tender but still with a slight bite. Once cooked, drain them well and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare Your Grinder Fixings: While the tortellini cools, it's time to get all your deli deliciousness ready. Take your thinly sliced turkey breast, roast beef, and beef salami and stack them. Roll them up tightly, then slice into thin ribbons or small bite-sized pieces. Dice your provolone cheese into small cubes. If using bocconcini, halve or quarter them, depending on their size.
- Chop the Veggies: Wash and prepare all your fresh vegetables. Shred the romaine lettuce. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion. Finely dice the green bell pepper. Slice the pepperoncini peppers. Place all the prepared vegetables into a very large mixing bowl.
- Whisk Up the Dressing: In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, combine all the dressing ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, sugar or maple syrup, salt, black pepper, and the pepperoncini brine. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar well until everything is fully emulsified and combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the cooled tortellini, the prepared deli meats, and the cheeses (provolone and fresh mozzarella) to the large bowl with your chopped vegetables.
- Dress and Toss: Pour about two-thirds of the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring that the dressing coats all the tortellini, meats, cheeses, and veggies. Add more dressing if you feel it needs it.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Before serving, give it another gentle toss. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese right before it hits the table.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Boiling and Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Don't overcook the tortellini! Chill your ingredients for a better-chilled salad. For the best texture, chop all your veggies, meats, and cheese into roughly similar, bite-sized pieces. Let it marinate briefly in the refrigerator for deeper flavors. Start with about two-thirds of the dressing and add more if needed.