This Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad is a flavor-packed variation on the classic sub sandwich, transformed into a delicious pasta salad. I love how it delivers all the flavors of an Italian grinder in a chilled, satisfying pasta salad (no hoagie bun needed)! It is great for potlucks, make-ahead lunches, or easy summer dinners! For another crowd-pleasing salad, try my Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad, too!

Black bowl of Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad on a wooden table from overhead.

What Is A Grinder Sandwich? And How It Inspired This Pasta Salad

A grinder sandwich is a classic Italian sub loaded with deli meats like salami and ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and zesty dressing on a hoagie roll. I took all those bold, savory flavors and turned them into this hearty, make-ahead pasta salad; no bun needed, but just as satisfying! If you are a fan of grinders, be sure to check out my Cuban Chopped Grinder Sandwich!

Raw ingredients for Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad in a bowl before being mixed so each section of food is separate.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is the base of the dressing. It holds all of the flavors together and coats the salad perfectly! If you prefer a lighter option, go with Greek yogurt.
Red Wine Vinegar: Red wine vinegar helps balance the creamy dressing. If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Seasonings: Season the dressing with garlic powder, black pepper, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (also called crushed red pepper), and kosher salt. If you want more heat, simply add extra red pepper flakes. Or, leave them out entirely for a milder dressing.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini works great in this salad, pairing well with the bold Italian flavors. Cook it according to the package, then rinse and cool completely before mixing. You can also use spinach and cheese or three-cheese tortellini. I would skip the meat-filled kind since the salad already has plenty of deli meats (but that is your call)!
Pepperoncini: Pepperoncini are those mild, tangy little peppers that add a zesty bite. They’re not too spicy, just enough to wake things up a bit!
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that ties everything together. I like using freshly grated for the best texture, but pre-shredded works, too. No Parmesan? Try pecorino romano.
Meats: Salami, pepperoni, and ham bring that classic Italian grinder flavor to the salad. They add plenty of protein and make the salad feel hearty enough for a full meal.

Pouring dressing on Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Pasta?

Yes! While I love the cheesy tortellini to go with the Italian flavors, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle (bowtie). Just choose a pasta that holds dressing well and has a sturdy texture to keep the salad from becoming mushy. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly depending on your choice.

Can I Use Store-bought Italian Dressing Instead of Homemade?

Yes, you can! If you’re short on time, a creamy Italian or zesty Italian dressing will work. However, the homemade dressing adds extra richness and flavor you can’t quite match from a bottle.

Big black bowl of Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad on a wooden table with a wooden spoon in the bowl.

Can I Make Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad Without The Meat?

Yes, you can easily make this Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad without the meat. Simply leave out the salami, pepperoni, and ham, and add extra vegetables, olives, or even chickpeas for added texture and protein. You will still have a bold Italian pasta salad!

Can I Customize the Ingredients in Italian Grinder Tortellini Salad?

Absolutely! That is one of my favorite things about this salad! I love starting with the core ingredients, then mixing things up depending on what I have on hand. You can switch up the deli meats (try turkey or prosciutto), use mozzarella pearls instead of Parmesan, or toss in extras like black olives, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts. Not a fan of pepperoncini? Skip them or sub in banana peppers. This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to make it your own!