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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Delicious Italian Grinder Pasta Salad for Easy Gatherings

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad captures the essence of a deli sandwich with chewy pasta and crunchy veggies.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Rotini Pasta Cook and chill for the best texture
  • 4 oz Pepperoni Consider turkey for a lighter substitute
  • 4 oz Salami Can be replaced with prosciutto or omitted for vegetarian option
  • 4 oz Ham Opt for turkey for a lighter option
  • 2 cups Iceberg Lettuce Swap for romaine or spinach if desired
  • 1 cup Red Onions Soak in water to soften their bite
  • 1 cup Banana Peppers Use roasted red peppers for a milder flavor
  • 1 cup Black Olives Omit or replace with green olives to suit your taste
  • 1 cup Tomatoes Cherry tomatoes make a great substitute
  • 4 oz Provolone Cheese Mozzarella or feta can also work well
  • 4 oz Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast is a great vegan alternative
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt is a lighter option
  • 3 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice are good replacements
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil Substitute with avocado oil or omit for fewer calories
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Fresh herbs offer a bright twist
  • to taste Salt & Black Pepper Adjust according to your taste preferences

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the cooled pasta aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Incorporate flavor by adding the sliced meats to your bowl of cooled rotini pasta. Layer in the pepperoni, salami, and ham, making sure they are evenly distributed. Mix gently with a spatula.
  3. Add in shredded iceberg lettuce, chopped red onions, sliced banana peppers, black olives, and juicy diced tomatoes. Use your spatula to fold these vibrant components into the pasta and meats carefully.
  4. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture together until it's smooth and well-blended.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Using your spatula, gently toss everything together until well coated.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer your salad to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Once chilled, give the salad another gentle toss before serving. Transfer it to a serving dish or individual bowls and consider garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Ensure each ingredient is well-distributed. To maintain the crunch of iceberg lettuce, add it right before serving. Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor. Reserve some dressing to toss again before serving.

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