Description
Grinder Pasta Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish combining tender cooked pasta with a vibrant mix of deli meats, cheeses, fresh vegetables, and a creamy Italian-style dressing. Perfect as a side dish, a quick lunch, or a potluck favorite, it blends savory and tangy flavors with crisp textures for a crowd-pleasing option that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
- 4 oz sliced salami, chopped
- 4 oz sliced pepperoni, chopped
- 4 oz provolone cheese, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup banana peppers, sliced
- 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini or bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Cool Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it completely; set aside.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with the chopped salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, banana peppers, shredded romaine lettuce, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined.
- Dress Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill through.
- Serve: Before serving, toss the salad again to redistribute dressing and flavors, and optionally sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for added taste.
Notes
- Add the romaine lettuce shortly before serving if you prefer it to stay extra crisp and fresh.
- Substitute turkey or ham for the salami and pepperoni for a milder flavor or different protein options.
- For a spicier salad, incorporate sliced pepperoncini or sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator; consume within 3 days for best freshness and safety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Lunch
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American, Italian-American
