Description
A flavorful Grinder Pasta Salad inspired by classic Italian sandwich flavors, combining rotini pasta with fresh vegetables, deli meats, and a creamy Italian dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing side dish served cold.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup sliced pepperoncini
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- 6 ounces salami, cut into strips
- 6 ounces deli ham, chopped
- ½ cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring the flavors are well combined.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, sliced pepperoncini, sliced black olives, salami strips, chopped deli ham, shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly until every ingredient is well coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Serve: Before serving, toss the salad again to redistribute the dressing and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve cold for the best taste.
Notes
- This pasta salad captures the classic flavors of an Italian grinder sandwich.
- Add croutons just before serving for added crunch.
- Feel free to swap the deli meats and cheeses to your liking.
- Best served chilled to enjoy the full blend of flavors.
