Grinder Tortellini Salad – All the Flavors of an Italian Sub in One Bowl

If you love a classic Italian grinder loaded with meats, cheese, crisp veggies, and tangy dressing, this Grinder Tortellini Salad is about to become your new favorite dish. It takes everything we crave about a hearty deli sandwich and transforms it into a bold, satisfying pasta salad that’s perfect for sharing. Chewy cheese tortellini replace the bread, soaking up all that zesty Italian dressing, while layers of meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables bring that unmistakable grinder flavor to every bite.

This salad is unapologetically hearty. It’s not a light side you forget about—it’s a main-dish-worthy bowl that holds its own at potlucks, cookouts, and family gatherings. The tortellini add richness and substance, making the salad filling without feeling heavy. Every forkful gives you a little bit of everything: creamy pasta, savory meats, sharp cheese, crunchy lettuce, and pops of tangy banana peppers.

What makes Grinder Tortellini Salad especially appealing is how flexible it is. You can customize it based on what’s in your fridge, make it ahead of time, and serve it cold—no reheating, no stress. It’s one of those recipes that actually gets better as it sits, making it ideal for busy schedules and entertaining alike. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping lunches for the week, this salad delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 20 oz cheese tortellini
• 1 cup pepperoni slices, halved
• 1 cup salami, sliced or quartered
• 1 cup provolone cheese, cubed
• 1½ cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup banana peppers, sliced
• ⅓ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ¾ cup Italian dressing (plus more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions until tender.
2. Drain the tortellini and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process. Shake off excess water.
3. Transfer the cooled tortellini to a large mixing bowl.
4. Add the pepperoni, salami, provolone cheese, cherry tomatoes, banana peppers, and red onion to the bowl.
5. Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and sprinkle with dried oregano and black pepper.
6. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Just before serving, fold in the chopped romaine lettuce.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning or add extra dressing if needed. Serve chilled.

Grinder Tortellini Salad

A hearty pasta salad with cheese tortellini, deli meats, cheese, crisp vegetables, and Italian dressing.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Salad

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Salad

• 20 oz cheese tortellini cooked and cooled
• 1 cup pepperoni halved
• 1 cup salami sliced
• 1 cup provolone cheese cubed
• 0.75 cup Italian dressing

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Mixing bowl

Method

 

1. Cook tortellini according to package directions and cool.
2. Combine tortellini with meats, cheese, and vegetables.
3. Toss with Italian dressing and seasonings.
4. Chill, add lettuce, and serve.

Notes

Add lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp.

Tips & Tricks

• Rinse tortellini lightly after cooking to keep it from sticking and overheating the salad.
• Add lettuce right before serving to keep it crisp.
• Use a bold, zesty Italian dressing for maximum grinder flavor.

Variations

• Add sliced ham or capicola for extra deli-style flair.
• Swap provolone for mozzarella pearls or shredded mozzarella.
• Make it spicy by adding crushed red pepper flakes or hot cherry peppers.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
• Pair with garlic bread or breadsticks for a full Italian-inspired meal.
• Perfect for picnics, potlucks, and summer barbecues.

Storage Information

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If making ahead, keep lettuce separate and mix in just before serving.
• Stir before serving, as dressing may settle.

FAQ

• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, it’s even better after chilling for a few hours.
• Is this served warm or cold? Cold—just like a classic pasta salad.
• Can I use frozen tortellini? Absolutely, just cook according to package instructions.

History / Fun Facts
The Italian grinder—also known as a hoagie or sub—has long been a deli staple across the U.S., celebrated for its bold layers of cured meats, cheese, and tangy toppings. Grinder Tortellini Salad is a modern twist on that classic sandwich, swapping bread for pasta while keeping the iconic flavors that made the original famous.