Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is a flavorful and hearty dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a refreshing lunch. Packed with savory deli meats, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy tangy dressing, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings for a classic Italian sandwich in pasta form.

Ingredients

• 16 oz rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1/2 cup chopped salami
• 1/2 cup chopped ham
• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1/2 cup sliced red onions
• 1/2 cup sliced banana peppers
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool completely to prevent clumping.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with pepperoni, salami, and ham.
3. Step 3: Add shredded lettuce, red onions, banana peppers, black olives, chopped tomatoes, provolone, and parmesan cheese to the bowl.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
5. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is well combined and evenly coated.
6. Step 6: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Step 7: Serve cold, garnished with extra parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or use half the amount of mayonnaise mixed with mustard.
• Add fresh basil or oregano for a more pronounced herbal note.
• Swap rotini for penne or bowtie pasta if preferred.
• Include chopped bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch and color.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best served cold; if needed, stir well before serving. Avoid freezing, as mayonnaise-based dressings may separate.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, making it a few hours ahead or the day before helps the flavors meld together for a tastier dish. Just keep it refrigerated until serving.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! Pre-shredded provolone and parmesan work well and save preparation time without compromising flavor.

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 103 reviews

This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of rotini pasta, classic Italian deli meats, fresh vegetables, and cheeses, all tossed in a tangy Italian dressing. Perfect for summer picnics or as a flavorful side dish, this salad combines hearty ingredients with a refreshing mix of textures and flavors.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Meats

• 16 oz rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1/2 cup chopped salami
• 1/2 cup chopped ham

Vegetables and Cheese

• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1/2 cup sliced red onions
• 1/2 cup sliced banana peppers
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Dressing

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Prepare the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse with cold water to cool it down completely. Set aside to ensure it doesn’t clump together.
2. Combine Meats and Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled rotini pasta along with the sliced pepperoni, chopped salami, and chopped ham. Mix gently to distribute the meats evenly through the pasta.
3. Add Vegetables and Cheeses: Incorporate the shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced red onions, banana peppers, black olives, chopped tomatoes, shredded provolone cheese, and grated parmesan cheese into the pasta and meat mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well blended.
5. Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated with the flavorful dressing.
6. Chill to Meld Flavors: Cover the bowl and place the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step enhances the flavors and allows them to meld together beautifully.
7. Serve: Serve the salad cold, garnished with additional grated parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Notes

• Make sure pasta is fully cooled before mixing to prevent the dressing from becoming oily or separating.
• Adjust the amount of Italian seasoning and vinegar in the dressing to your taste preference.
• You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing option.
• This salad can be prepared a day ahead for convenience and better flavor infusion.
• Keep refrigerated and consume within 2 days for best freshness.

Keywords: Italian pasta salad, cold pasta salad, Italian grinder salad, rotini pasta salad, deli meat pasta salad