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–+ servings
Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Delicious Italian Grinder Pasta Salad for Your Next Gathering

This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad combines cured meats and fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Rotini Pasta Feel free to swap it for any pasta shape you enjoy!
For the Deli Meats
  • 3 ounces Pepperoni You can replace it with turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • 3 ounces Salami Try turkey salami if you're looking for something lighter.
  • 3 ounces Ham Omit for a vegetarian version!
For the Fresh Vegetables
  • 2 cups Shredded Iceberg Lettuce No substitutions needed!
  • 1 small Sliced Red Onions Use sweet onions for a milder kick.
  • 1 cup Banana Peppers Switch to mild pepper varieties for less heat.
  • 1 cup Black Olives Green olives can switch it up!
  • 1 cup Chopped Tomatoes Grape tomatoes add sweetness.
For the Cheeses
  • 1 cup Shredded Provolone Cheese Mozzarella pearls work as an alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano is a stronger option.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Consider using light mayo or Greek yogurt.
  • 3 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar Apple cider vinegar provides a sweeter profile.
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil Avocado oil can offer a neutral taste.
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Substitute a mix of oregano and basil if desired.
  • Salt & Black Pepper Essential for seasoning—add to taste!

Equipment

  • large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • colander
  • Spatula

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta with sliced pepperoni, salami, and ham. Ensure the meats are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
  3. Add the shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced red onions, banana peppers, black olives, and chopped tomatoes to the meat and pasta mixture. Gently fold everything together.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  5. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly.
  6. Cover the bowl and place the pasta salad in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes to meld the flavors.
  7. Before serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 370mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Mix the salad again before serving to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed. Chilling the salad allows flavors to meld beautifully.

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