Description
A hearty pasta salad featuring cheese tortellini with Italian meats, vegetables, and tangy dressing that captures all the flavors of a classic grinder sandwich.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 6 oz salami, diced
- 6 oz pepperoni, diced
- 4 oz provolone cheese, cubed
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup green olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or arugula
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- 2. Prepare vegetables by dicing cucumber and bell pepper, chopping tomatoes, and slicing red onion. Soak onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- 3. Cut salami and pepperoni into small cubes. Cube both cheeses into bite-sized pieces.
- 4. Whisk together Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, olive oil, oregano, and garlic powder in a large bowl.
- 5. Add cooled tortellini to dressing and toss to coat.
- 6. Add meats, cheeses, and all prepared vegetables. Include olives and pepperoncini.
- 7. Fold everything together gently, ensuring even coating with dressing.
- 8. Add spinach or arugula and fresh basil last, folding in gently.
- 9. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours.
- 10. Stir before serving and adjust seasonings as needed.
Notes
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Add fresh greens just before serving if storing longer than a day. Stir gently before serving as ingredients may separate.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g