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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad: A Fresh Take on Deli Flavors

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is a refreshing dish that combines deli flavors with vibrant veggies for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 12 ounces Rotini Pasta The perfect shape for holding onto all those delicious flavors.
For the Meats
  • ½ cup Pepperoni Adds savory depth; substitute with turkey for a lighter version.
  • ½ cup Salami Provides richness; turkey salami can be a great swap for lighter fare.
  • ½ cup Ham Essential for that classic grinder taste; chicken deli meat makes a good alternative.
For the Vegetables
  • 2 cups Shredded Iceberg Lettuce A refreshing crunch; feel free to use romaine for added flavor.
  • ½ cup Sliced Red Onions Bring sharpness; soak in water to cut the bite if preferred.
  • ½ cup Sliced Banana Peppers A tangy kick; pickles can be used for an alternative flavor.
  • ½ cup Sliced Black Olives Adds a briny touch; omit if you're not a fan.
  • 1 cup Chopped Tomatoes Brings juiciness to the mix; cherry tomatoes can replace them nicely.
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Shredded Provolone Cheese Creamy addition; mozzarella or cheddar can work as substitutes.
  • ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Boosts umami flavor; consider nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
For the Dressing
  • ¾ cup Mayonnaise Serves as a creamy base; try Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
  • ¼ cup Red Wine Vinegar Adds a delightful acidity; swap with apple cider vinegar if needed.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Balances the dressing; any neutral oil will also do the trick.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Infuses herbal flavors; use fresh herbs for a vibrant punch.
  • to taste Salt & Black Pepper Enhances overall taste; adjust to suit your palate.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8–10 minutes, until al dente—firm yet tender. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool completely.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta with ½ cup of diced pepperoni, ½ cup of diced salami, and ½ cup of diced ham. Toss these ingredients together until well blended.
  3. Next, incorporate 2 cups of shredded iceberg lettuce, ½ cup of sliced red onions, ½ cup of sliced banana peppers, ½ cup of sliced black olives, and 1 cup of chopped tomatoes into the pasta and meat mixture. Gently fold the vegetables in, ensuring they mix evenly without bruising.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of mayonnaise, ¼ cup of red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and freshly cracked salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, and gently toss until everything is thoroughly coated.
  6. Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together.
  7. When ready to serve, remove the salad from the refrigerator and give it a final toss. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 10gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Prepare the salad a few hours in advance for optimal flavor. Adjust seasoning before serving as needed. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

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