Crispy Tortellini Grinder Salad

Crispy tortellini grinder salad features baked crunchy tortellini, lettuce, salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, crispy chickpeas, and a creamy grinder dressing. I’m a firm believer that crunchy salads are better than regular salads. The tortellini adds such a fun texture twist to the classic viral grinder salad.

Info and tips for crispy tortellini grinder salad

A grinder salad is inspired by the classic Italian grinder sandwich, which is typically made with deli meats, cheese, shredded lettuce, and a tangy dressing. Adding baked tortellini makes the salad extra hearty and satisfying and brings a crunchy, cheesy twist.

To make crunchy tortellini make sure you cook the pasta first, then make sure to strain and dry it well before adding to a baking sheet. Removing as much excess moisture helps the tortellini crisp up instead of steaming in the oven. Also make sure each piece is coated well with olive oil, and spread out on the sheet pan. As overcrowding can trap steam and prevent crisping.

If you want to use this for meal prep just store the tortellini and sauce separately, then assemble before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

Equipment

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This is the Wooden Salad Bowl I used for the grinder salad!

Ingredients for crispy tortellini grinder salad

Salad

• 250g tortellini
• 1 can chickpeas
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt & pepper
• ½ head iceberg lettuce
• 200g mini mozzarella balls
• ½ cup pepperoncini
• 1 cup chopped pepperoni
• 1 cup chopped salami
• 3-4 jarred red bell peppers
• 1 red onion
• ¼ cup parmesan
• ¼ parsley 

Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Begin by cooking the tortellini according to package instructions, strain well and toss with some olive oil. Spread out on a baking sheet along with the chickpeas and season with the listed seasonings. Bake at 400 F for 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden.
2. Meanwhile chop the lettuce, pepperoncini, pepperoni, salami, red bell peppers, red onion, parsley, and grate the parmesan.
3. Make the dressing by shaking the listed ingredients together. Taste test and adjust to your liking.
4. Assemble the salad by placing everything in a large bowl and topping with the crispy chickpeas, tortellini, dressing, parmesan, and parsley. Enjoy!

See below for a video tutorial!

If you liked this recipe be sure to check out these:

• Bang Bang Chicken Crispy Rice Salad
• Sundried Tomato Tomato Pasta Salad
• Taco Pasta Salad

Print Recipe

Crispy Tortellini Grinder Salad

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Quick and easy

By Kenna's Cooks – Serves: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes – Cooking Time: 20 minutes – Total Time: 30 minutes

Crispy tortellini grinder salad features baked crunchy tortellini, lettuce, salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, crispy chickpeas, and a creamy grinder dressing.

Ingredients

• -Salad-
• 250g tortellini
• 1 can chickpeas
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt & pepper
• ½ head iceberg lettuce
• 200g mini mozzarella balls
• ½ cup pepperoncini
• 1 cup chopped pepperoni
• 1 cup chopped salami
• 3-4 jarred red bell peppers
• 1 red onion
• ¼ cup parmesan
• ¼ parsley 
• -Dressing-
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1

Begin by cooking the tortellini according to package instructions, strain well and toss with some olive oil. Spread out on a baking sheet along with the chickpeas and season with the listed seasonings. Bake at 400 F for 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden.

2

Meanwhile chop the lettuce, pepperoncini, pepperoni, salami, red bell peppers, red onion, parsley, and grate the parmesan.

3

Make the dressing by shaking the listed ingredients together. Taste test and adjust to your liking.

4

Assemble the salad by placing everything in a large bowl and topping with the crispy chickpeas, tortellini, dressing, parmesan, and parsley. Enjoy!