Name: Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: For the dressing: 1 ⅓ cups mayonnaise; ⅓ cup red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon peperoncini pepper juice (from the jar); Marinade oil leftover from the marinated mozzarella balls (use all the oil from both containers); ½ teaspoon fresh black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); For the salad: 1 pound rotini pasta (cooked until al dente); 2 (8-ounce) containers marinated mozzarella cheese balls in oil (sliced into quarters); 5-6 peperoncini peppers (sliced into rings); 10-ounce container cherry tomatoes (cut in half or quarters, depending on size); 1 cup pickled red onion; 10 slices deli Genoa salami (cut into chunks); 8 slices deli ham (cut into chunks); 20 slices pepperoni (cut into quarters); ½ head lettuce (shredded)

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You know that feeling when you crave something fresh, flavorful, and just a little bit exciting? Well, let me introduce you to this Italian Grinder Pasta Salad! Imagine the savory, herby goodness of a classic Italian grinder sandwich, but in pasta salad form. With every bite, you get a delightful crunch from the vegetables, a zesty kick from the dressing, and a satisfying medley of textures from the pasta and salami. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to dish for everything from summer picnics to casual weeknight dinners. It’s light, it’s bold, and it’s so easy to make—what’s not to love?

Why You’ll Love Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

This isn’t just any pasta salad. It’s the perfect balance of Italian flavors wrapped up in one delicious dish. Here’s why you’re going to be obsessed with it:

Versatile: Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner, a potluck dish, or the star of your weekend barbecue, this pasta salad works for any occasion. It’s the kind of dish that’s guaranteed to get compliments.
Budget-Friendly: No need for fancy ingredients. You likely already have everything you need to create this Italian masterpiece right in your kitchen.
Quick and Easy: With simple steps and minimal prep, you’ll have this pasta salad ready in no time! Perfect for those busy days when you want something tasty without all the fuss.
Customizable: You can swap out ingredients based on what you have or what you like! Whether you want to add more veggies, switch the meats, or make it lighter, you’ve got options.
Crowd-Pleasing: Trust me when I say, this pasta salad is a hit with everyone—kids, adults, and anyone who loves big flavors. It’s a party in a bowl, and everyone’s invited!

Ingredients in Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Here’s what makes this pasta salad such a flavor-packed delight. You’ll find a wonderful mix of savory meats, crunchy veggies, and fresh herbs, all dressed in a tangy Italian vinaigrette that brings everything together perfectly. Let’s break it down:
Rotini Pasta: The spiral shape of rotini holds onto that dressing and all those other yummy ingredients. It’s the perfect base for this dish.
Salami: Chopped into bite-sized pieces, this savory Italian meat adds that classic grinder sandwich taste. You could swap this out for pepperoni or even ham if you prefer.
Provolone Cheese: Creamy and tangy, provolone brings richness and depth to the salad. Cut it into cubes to complement the other ingredients.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and packed with flavor, tomatoes provide a pop of freshness in every bite.
Cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers add a light crunch to balance out the richness of the meats and cheese.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a little bite and a lot of flavor. If you’re sensitive to raw onion, you can soak them in water for a minute to mellow them out.
Olives: Black olives bring a salty, briny touch that’s the perfect contrast to the creamy cheese and tangy dressing.
Italian Dressing: The star of the show. It ties all the flavors together with a zesty, herb-infused kick that gives this pasta salad its signature Italian flair.
Fresh Basil: A handful of fresh basil adds a burst of aromatic flavor that really makes this dish pop. You can chop it up or leave it in whole leaves for extra texture.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s dive into making this flavor-packed Italian Grinder Pasta Salad. It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your rotini pasta in a large pot of salted water until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, but be sure to check the package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and help it cool down quickly. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Veggies and Meats

While the pasta is cooking, chop up your salami, provolone cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. Slice the olives and get your fresh basil ready. The key here is to make sure everything is in bite-sized pieces so every scoop of pasta salad gets a little bit of everything!

3. Mix Everything Together

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, salami, cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and basil. Toss it all together gently—this isn’t a complicated step, just a quick mix to ensure every piece is well-distributed.

4. Add the Dressing

Pour your Italian dressing over the salad and give everything a good toss. Make sure the dressing coats every bit of pasta and veggie. If you like your salad a little more dressed, feel free to add more dressing until it’s just the way you like it.

5. Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and place the pasta salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let all the flavors meld together. The longer it sits, the more the flavors develop—so if you can, let it chill for a couple of hours for maximum tastiness. When you’re ready, give it a final stir and serve cold.

How to Serve Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is versatile enough to be a side dish or a main! Here are a few ways to serve it:

As a Side Dish: Pair it with grilled chicken, burgers, or even some Italian sausage for a well-rounded meal.
On Its Own: It’s hearty enough to enjoy on its own, especially if you’re craving something fresh and light. Just add a slice of crusty bread to round out the meal.
At a BBQ: Serve it at your next summer barbecue or picnic—this salad is always a crowd-pleaser, and it pairs perfectly with all your favorite grilled foods.
For Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days. It’s a perfect meal prep option for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make your Italian Grinder Pasta Salad even more amazing:

Prep Ahead: You can chop all your veggies and meats the night before and store them in the fridge to save time when making the salad.
Spice It Up: Want a little extra heat? Add a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
Make it Vegan: Swap out the salami and provolone for plant-based versions and use a vegan Italian dressing for a completely plant-based salad.
Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This salad tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! In fact, this pasta salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight. Just make sure to stir it up before serving!

Q2: Can I substitute the salami?
A2: Definitely! You can use any deli meat you like—pepperoni, ham, or even turkey would work great. Or, make it veggie by adding more fresh veggies or plant-based meat alternatives.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It keeps really well and makes for a great grab-and-go lunch.

Q4: Can I freeze this pasta salad?
A4: I wouldn’t recommend freezing pasta salad as the pasta and veggies can get a bit mushy when thawed. But you can easily make a double batch and keep it in the fridge for a few days.

Q5: What’s the best pasta for this salad?
A5: Rotini is my personal favorite because it holds the dressing so well, but feel free to use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just make sure the pasta is bite-sized.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your new favorite go-to pasta salad! This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is everything you could want in a dish: fresh, bold, and full of flavor. It’s easy to make, customizable, and will be the star of any meal or gathering. So grab your ingredients, get ready to toss, and enjoy the delicious Italian goodness in every bite!