Tortellini Salad with Bacon, Pepperoncini, and Parmesan Recipe

Introduction

This Bacon Tortellini Salad is a delightful mix of creamy dressing, tangy pepperoncini, and crispy bacon tossed with tender cheese tortellini. Perfect for a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing side dish, it balances rich flavors with fresh veggies for a satisfying bite every time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/3 cup drained pepperoncini peppers
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 chopped red onion
• 19 oz frozen cheese tortellini
• 8 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1 full cup halved grape tomatoes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain the grease, place the bacon on paper towels to remove excess oil, then chop into small pieces and set aside.
2. Step 2: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, oregano, Italian herbs, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Stir well to create a smooth dressing.
4. Step 4: Add the cooled tortellini, pepperoncini peppers, parmesan cheese, chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and chopped bacon to the dressing. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
5. Step 5: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors meld. Before serving, stir the salad once more and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• Try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra freshness.
• Use turkey bacon or omit the bacon for a vegetarian option.
• Swap grape tomatoes for cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes to change the flavor profile.

Storage

Store the tortellini salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best taste and texture, stir gently before serving. This salad is delicious cold and does not require reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad benefits from chilling for at least an hour to allow the flavors to blend. It can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh tortellini will work well; just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions and cool before mixing.

Tortellini Salad with Bacon, Pepperoncini, and Parmesan Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 62 reviews

A flavorful and creamy tortellini salad combining cheese tortellini, crispy bacon, pepperoncini peppers, fresh grape tomatoes, and a tangy homemade dressing with Italian herbs and Parmesan cheese. Perfect chilled for a refreshing and satisfying side or light meal.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Salad

• 1/3 cup drained pepperoncini peppers
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 19 oz frozen cheese tortellini
• 8 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1 cup halved grape tomatoes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain excess grease and transfer bacon to paper towels to absorb remaining oil. Once cooled, chop into small pieces and set aside.
2. Cook the Cheese Tortellini: Bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stovetop. Add the frozen cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.
3. Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly until well blended to create a creamy, flavorful dressing.
4. Assemble the Salad: Add the cooled tortellini, pepperoncini peppers, grated Parmesan, chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and crumbled bacon to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the tortellini salad for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and chill the salad. Before serving, give it a good stir and enjoy.

Notes

• Make sure to rinse the tortellini in cold water after boiling to prevent it from overcooking and becoming mushy.
• For extra flavor, you can add fresh basil or parsley to the salad before chilling.
• This salad can be made a day ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator.
• To keep bacon crispy, add just before serving or store separately until ready to mix.
• Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste for preferred spice level.

Keywords: tortellini salad, bacon tortellini salad, cheese tortellini recipe, Italian salad, cold pasta salad, creamy tortellini salad