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Delicious and vibrant Italian Grinder Pasta Salad in a large serving bowl, garnished with fresh parsley.

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad


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  • Total Time: 30 minutes (plus cooling)
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Standard

Description

A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad inspired by the classic Italian grinder sandwich, featuring a medley of deli meats, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing.


Ingredients

Scale

16 oz rotini pasta, cooked al dente and cooled
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni, diced
1/2 cup chopped salami
1/2 cup chopped ham
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
1/2 cup sliced red onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup sliced banana peppers, drained and chopped
1/2 cup sliced black olives, drained
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
1 cup cubed provolone cheese (or fresh mozzarella)
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
Optional: 1 tsp Dijon mustard for dressing
Optional: 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese


Instructions

Step 1: Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool completely.
Step 2: While pasta cools, prepare your salad ingredients. Dice the pepperoni, salami, and ham. Cube the provolone cheese. Thinly slice the red onion and chop the banana peppers and tomatoes.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced pepperoni, chopped salami, chopped ham, shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced red onions, chopped banana peppers, sliced black olives, chopped tomatoes, and cubed provolone cheese.
Step 4: Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. If using, add Dijon mustard and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Pour the dressing over the pasta and salad ingredients. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.

Notes

For best results, make this salad ahead of time to allow the flavors to fully develop. If you prefer crispier lettuce, you can add it right before serving instead of chilling it with the rest of the salad. Feel free to adjust the amount of banana peppers for your desired level of tang and spice.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Tossing, Mixing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
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