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The best Grinder Pasta Salad

The Best Grinder Pasta Salad You'll Make All Summer

The best Grinder Pasta Salad combines pasta with Italian deli flavors, making it a delightful and customizable dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Rotini Pasta or fusilli if preferred
For the Deli Meats
  • 4 ounces Salami or pepperoni for spiciness
  • 4 ounces Deli Ham or turkey for a lighter option
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Shredded Provolone or Mozzarella or cheddar for sharper flavor
For the Vegetables
  • 2 cups Shredded Iceberg Lettuce or arugula for peppery edge
  • 1 cup Banana Peppers or pickled jalapeños for heat
  • 1 medium Red Onion or green onions for milder flavor
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes or any other chopped tomatoes
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative
  • 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme
  • 2 tablespoons Banana Pepper Brine optional

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, cook rotini pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and cool.
  2. Prep the Ingredients: Chop deli meats, shred cheese, dice red onion, slice tomatoes, and chop lettuce.
  3. Make the Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, and seasoning until creamy; add brine if desired.
  4. Combine Everything: In a large bowl, mix pasta, meats, cheese, and veggies; fold in dressing gently.
  5. Chill the Salad: Cover and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Final Touch: Mix in lettuce before serving for extra crunch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For best results, cook pasta al dente and keep dressing separate until right before serving to maintain freshness.

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