Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
  • PREP TIME
    30 mins
  • COOK TIME
    10 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    40 mins
  • SERVING
    12 People
  • VIEWS
    21

Deconstructed Italian grinder meets vibrant pasta salad! This dish boasts all the beloved flavors of your favorite deli sandwich – savory cured meats, sharp provolone, and a tangy, herbaceous vinaigrette – tossed with perfectly cooked rotini for a crowd-pleasing symphony of textures and tastes.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    20 g
  • Cholesterol
    48 mg
  • Fiber
    2 g
  • Protein
    17 g
  • Saturated Fat
    8 g
  • Sodium
    2194 mg
  • Sugar
    3 g
  • Fat
    26 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step
10 mins

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add 2 tablespoons of kosher salt and the pasta. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 9-10 minutes. (Timing will vary slightly based on pasta shape and brand; follow package directions but check for doneness a minute or two early).

02

Step
1 mins

Drain the pasta immediately and rinse under cold running water until it reaches lukewarm or room temperature. This stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water.

03

Step
2 mins

In an extra-large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the turkey pepperoni, ham, salami, provolone cheese, red onion, pepperoncini peppers, cucumber, grape tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, and olives. Sprinkle the salad seasoning evenly over the mixture.

04

Step
3 mins

In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini brine, dried oregano, crushed red pepper (if using), sugar, pepper, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard until well emulsified. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly to create a smooth, cohesive dressing.

05

Step
2 mins

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese into the dressing. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated.

06

Step
30 mins

Serve immediately for a vibrant, fresh flavor, or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. This salad is often even better the next day!

For an extra layer of flavor, lightly marinate the diced salami and ham in a tablespoon of the red wine vinegar for about 15 minutes before adding to the salad.
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences and what's in season. Roasted bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes would all be delicious additions.
If you don't have salad seasoning on hand, you can create your own blend using a combination of Italian herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
To prevent the pasta from absorbing too much dressing, you can reserve a small amount and add it just before serving if needed.
This salad is a fantastic make-ahead dish for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. It travels well and can be easily scaled up or down to suit your needs.

Hudson Collins

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.9/ 5 ( 7 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (5)
  • Alan Emmerichmitchell

    I substituted black olives for green because that's what I had on hand, and it was still delicious!

  • Retta Grant

    I love that you can prep this ahead of time. It's perfect for busy weeknights when I don't have much time to cook.

  • Jed Schuster

    Next time, I'm going to try adding some grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a more complete meal.

  • Christophe Rowe

    The dressing is so flavorful! I never thought to add pepperoncini brine – it makes a big difference.

  • Madelyn Pacocha

    This was a huge hit at my family gathering! Everyone raved about the flavors and how easy it was to make.

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