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Close-up handheld photo of Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad with creamy dressing and shredded lettuce. (Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad)

Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad: The Ultimate Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe

This Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad features plump cheese tortellini, savory salami, spicy pepperoni, and a creamy herb dressing. A viral Pinterest favorite that combines classic deli flavors with hearty pasta for the ultimate potluck side dish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American-Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Recipe
  • 20 oz Cheese Tortellini Fresh or frozen
  • 4 oz Pepperoni Thinly sliced
  • 6 oz Salami Cubed
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved
  • 1/2 medium Red Onion Thinly sliced into rings
  • 1/2 cup Pickled Banana Peppers Sliced
  • 2 cups Iceberg Lettuce Finely shredded
  • 1 cup Creamy Herb Dressing Such as creamy Italian or Mayo-based herb dressing
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Freshly cracked

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For boiling tortellini
  • 1 Large Ceramic Bowl For mixing and serving

Method
 

Prepare the Pasta
  1. Cook the cheese tortellini in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water immediately to stop the cooking and prevent sticking.
Assemble the Salad
  1. Halve the cherry tomatoes, cube the salami, slice the onions into rings, and finely shred the iceberg lettuce.
  2. In a large ceramic bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, pepperoni, salami, tomatoes, onions, and banana peppers.
  3. Pour the creamy herb dressing over the mixture. Sprinkle with dried oregano and black pepper. Gently fold until everything is coated.
  4. Just before serving, fold in the shredded iceberg lettuce to ensure it stays crisp.

Notes

Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
If making ahead, add the iceberg lettuce right before eating to keep it crunchy.