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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad: A Flavor-Packed Delight to Share

Discover the Italian Grinder Pasta Salad, a delicious blend of deli ingredients reimagined into a vibrant pasta salad. Perfect for gatherings or meal prep.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 12 ounces Rotini Pasta Consider gluten-free pasta for a lighter option.
For the Meats
  • 4 ounces Pepperoni Swap with turkey pepperoni or leave it out for a vegetarian salad.
  • 4 ounces Salami Turkey salami provides a lighter option.
  • 4 ounces Ham Feel free to use chicken slices or omit for a meatless version.
For the Fresh Veggies
  • 2 cups Shredded Iceberg Lettuce Romaine or mixed greens can be a delightful substitute.
  • 0.5 cups Sliced Red Onions Opt for sweet onions for a milder taste.
  • 0.5 cups Sliced Banana Peppers Pickled jalapeños work well for extra heat.
  • 0.5 cups Sliced Black Olives Substitute with green olives or leave them out if you prefer.
  • 1 cups Chopped Tomatoes Halved cherry tomatoes are a great alternative.
For the Cheesy Goodness
  • 1 cups Shredded Provolone Cheese Cheddar or mozzarella are delicious substitutes.
  • 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese Use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1 cups Mayonnaise Greek yogurt can lighten things up.
  • 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice are suitable alternatives.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Any neutral oil can work in place of olive.
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning A mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme is great for a homemade touch.
  • Salt & Black Pepper Season to taste.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • small bowl
  • Whisk
  • plastic wrap

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta, stirring occasionally, and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, allowing it to cool completely.
  2. In a mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta alongside sliced pepperoni, salami, and ham. Toss gently with a spatula until well combined.
  3. Add shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced red onions, sliced banana peppers, sliced black olives, and chopped tomatoes to the bowl. Fold these vibrant ingredients into the mixture.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, and salt and black pepper to taste. Mix until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
  5. Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture, tossing gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Once chilled, toss the salad again before serving. Optional: garnish with additional grated parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully. Add shredded lettuce just before serving to keep it crispy.

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