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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad for Flavor-Packed Gatherings

This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad perfectly combines hearty Italian flavors for a delightful summer dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad Base
  • 8 oz Rotini Pasta Can swap with penne for variety.
  • 1 cup Pickled Red Onion Fresh red onion can be used for a milder flavor.
  • 1 pt Cherry Tomatoes Grape tomatoes can be an alternative.
  • 4 cups Romaine Lettuce Spinach can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 cup Ham Turkey can be used for a leaner option.
  • 1 cup Salami Pepperoni is a spicier substitute.
  • 1 cup Pepperoni Prosciutto adds a gourmet touch.
  • 8 oz Mozzarella Balls Cubed mozzarella works well too.
  • 1 cup Black Olives Green olives can be swapped.
  • 1 cup Cucumber Zucchini can be an alternative.
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt is a lighter choice.
  • 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar White wine vinegar can be used.
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard can be used in a pinch.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice Lime juice can be an interesting twist.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • mixing bowl
  • Spatula or tongs

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water over high heat. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Let cool.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together mayo, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Chop salad ingredients: dice pickled onion, halve cherry tomatoes, slice cucumber. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with veggies, ham, salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, and olives.
  4. Pour the creamy dressing over pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat all ingredients well.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Just before serving, fold in chopped romaine and remaining cherry tomatoes.
  6. Toss gently before serving and garnish with parsley or oregano if desired. Enjoy your delicious pasta salad!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are chopped uniformly for balanced flavor, and mix in delicate ingredients just before serving for crunch.

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