Delicious Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Perfect for Meal Prep

This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad combines deli sandwich flavors with hearty pasta, perfect for meal prep.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 10

Chill Time 30

Total Time 1 10

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz Rotini Pasta Opt for gluten-free pasta if desired.

For the Meats

4 oz Sliced Pepperoni Turkey pepperoni is a lighter alternative.
4 oz Chopped Salami Feel free to swap with your favorite cured meat.
4 oz Chopped Ham Substitute with turkey or omit for a vegetarian version.

For the Veggies

1 cup Shredded Iceberg Lettuce Romaine or spinach are great substitutes.
0.25 cup Sliced Red Onions Use green onions for a milder flavor.
0.5 cup Sliced Banana Peppers Leave them out if you prefer a milder kick.
0.5 cup Sliced Black Olives Green olives can replace them or skip if desired.
1 cup Chopped Tomatoes Cherry tomatoes work well for a touch of sweetness.

For the Cheeses

0.5 cup Shredded Provolone Cheese Mozzarella or feta can be used as alternatives.
0.25 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast serves as a dairy-free alternative.

For the Dressing

0.5 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt offers a healthier option.
3 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar Apple cider vinegar makes a great substitute.
2 tbsp Olive Oil A flavored oil can add an extra zing.
1 tsp Italian Seasoning Make your own mix with dried herbs.
to taste Salt Essential for seasoning; adjust to your personal taste.
to taste Black Pepper Essential for seasoning; adjust to your personal taste.

Equipment

large pot
colander
mixing bowl
whisk
spatula

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, add rotini pasta, cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, drain and rinse with cold water.
Prep the Ingredients: Chop meats, dice tomatoes, slice olives, and lettuce to prep for assembly.
Combine the Salad: In a mixing bowl, add cooled pasta and all chopped ingredients; toss together.
Make the Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, oil, seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine Dressing and Salad: Pour dressing over salad and toss to ensure even coating.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving, then toss again and garnish as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Feel empowered to craft your own Italian Grinder Pasta Salad and discover how this crowd-pleaser can elevate any meal!

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!