Name: Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini; 4 oz salami, diced; 4 oz pepperoni, diced; 1 cup provolone cheese, diced; 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup banana peppers, roughly chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

Bright, zesty, and bursting with bold Italian flavor, this Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad is what your next picnic, potluck, or lazy dinner night needs. It’s the mashup of a classic Italian grinder sandwich and creamy tortellini pasta salad, all tossed in a crave-worthy dressing that ties it together with just the right punch. Think tangy banana peppers, sharp provolone, juicy tomatoes, and a savory lineup of deli meats like salami and pepperoni, all married into pillowy cheese tortellini.

It’s cold pasta salad, but make it exciting. This isn’t the kind you push around on your plate—this is the kind that disappears first. Perfect for summer but just as tempting year-round, it packs all the richness and texture you’d want in a main dish while being quick enough to throw together in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad

This recipe doesn’t just check the boxes for quick, delicious, and filling—it brings together the best of two worlds. You get the heartiness of a deli-style sandwich and the creaminess of pasta salad all in one bowl. Plus, it’s highly customizable, so whether you want to add more veggies, swap the meats, or double the dressing, it’ll still turn out incredible.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

Refrigerated cheese tortellini works beautifully here because it’s quick to cook and holds its shape after chilling. You could also use frozen tortellini if that’s what you have on hand, just cook it fully and let it cool before tossing into the salad. Skip dried tortellini—it tends to be too firm and chewy for a chilled pasta salad like this.

Ingredients for the Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad

Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference in this salad. Every bite should offer a little bit of something: creamy, tangy, spicy, and savory. The goal is to balance bold flavors with the pillowy tortellini.

Cheese tortellini
Salami
Pepperoni
Diced provolone cheese
Shredded iceberg lettuce
Red onion
Banana peppers
Cherry tomatoes
Mayonnaise
Red wine vinegar
Garlic powder
Dried oregano
Salt and pepper

The tortellini is the hearty base. Salami and pepperoni bring spicy richness, while provolone adds a smooth sharpness. Crisp iceberg lettuce offers a fresh crunch, and red onion gives bite. Banana peppers bring the tang, cherry tomatoes add sweetness, and the creamy dressing unites it all.

How To Make the Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Boil the tortellini according to package directions, usually just 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool quickly. Let them sit while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.

Step 3: Chop and Combine

Dice the salami and pepperoni into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the red onions thinly, and roughly chop the banana peppers. Toss all chopped ingredients along with the provolone and shredded lettuce into a large bowl.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Add the cooled tortellini into the bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is coated. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

How to Serve and Store Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad

This salad is hearty enough to stand on its own, making it perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a light dinner. It comfortably feeds about 6 people as a main and up to 10 as a side. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The lettuce will soften, but the flavor only gets better.

What to Serve With Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad?

Garlic Knots

Soft, buttery garlic knots are the perfect carby companion. Great for soaking up extra dressing on the plate.

Grilled Zucchini

Light and simple, grilled zucchini pairs wonderfully with the richness of the salad.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes on skewers echo the Italian theme while adding another bright bite.

Bruschetta

Crispy toasted baguette topped with tomato and basil adds a crunchy contrast.

Marinated Olives

A little bowl of herby olives goes a long way with this kind of salad.

Antipasto Skewers

Load up skewers with marinated artichokes, olives, mini mozzarella balls, and prosciutto for an appetizer-style addition.

Sparkling Lemonade

To drink, go with something citrusy and fresh like homemade sparkling lemonade.

Want More Pasta Salad Ideas?

If you’re loving this Italian twist on a pasta salad, don’t miss these crave-worthy dishes too:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a satisfying comfort classic.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a cheesy, meaty flavor bomb.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a one-pan creamy dinner dream.
Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce if you’re craving a baked pasta comfort dish.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for easy weeknight indulgence.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can find it quickly when that pasta salad craving hits again.

Let me know in the comments if you swapped in turkey or ham or added a spicy twist with hot cherry peppers. Everyone’s version has its own spin and I love hearing how you make it yours.

Explore beautifully curated pasta recipes and seasonal salads on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and find something delicious for every day of the week.