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–+ servings
Grinder Pasta Salad

Grinder Pasta Salad: A Colorful and Creamy Crowd-Pleaser

Grinder Pasta Salad is a colorful and creamy dish, perfect for gatherings and customizable to taste.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 12 oz short pasta use elbow macaroni or cavatappi
For the Veggies
  • 2 cups cucumber diced
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2 cups cabbage finely shredded or coleslaw mix
  • 1 cup sweet onion diced
  • 1 cup banana peppers chopped; can substitute with bell peppers
For the Meats
  • 6 oz deli turkey can swap for chicken
  • 6 oz deli ham omit for a vegetarian option
  • 6 oz turkey pepperoni or salami adds savory depth
For the Cheese
  • 6 oz provolone cheese can replace with mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese use grated for mixing
For the Dressing
  • 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise can be omitted
  • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey adjust to taste
  • 1 clove garlic finely minced
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp salt adjust based on deli meats
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper increase for more spice

Equipment

  • large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • colander
  • whisk
  • serving spoons

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar, parmesan, honey, garlic, and mustard. Whisk until creamy and smooth. Chill in the refrigerator.
  2. Boil salted water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Allow to cool.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, cabbage, sweet onion, and banana peppers. Add deli turkey, ham, pepperoni or salami, and provolone. Toss gently to mix.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss again to coat evenly with the dressing.
  5. Sprinkle extra parmesan and fresh herbs on top for garnish.
  6. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Customize your veggies and add herbs like basil or dill for extra flavor. Avoid freezing the salad.

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