Go Back
+ servings
Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad: Your Summer Picnic Must-Have

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for summer gatherings, featuring a blend of savory meats and fresh vegetables.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 ounces Rotini Pasta Feel free to swap for gluten-free pasta or preferred shape.
Meats
  • 4 ounces Pepperoni Substitute with turkey or chicken deli slices for a lighter twist.
  • 4 ounces Salami Other deli meats can replace it or omit for a vegetarian option.
  • 4 ounces Ham Consider using turkey or omitting for a meatless salad.
Vegetables
  • 2 cups Iceberg Lettuce Swap for mixed greens or arugula for elevated flavors.
  • 1/2 cup Red Onions For a milder taste, use green onions instead.
  • 1/2 cup Banana Peppers Omit if you prefer no spice.
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives Green olives are a tasty alternative if you like.
  • 1 cup Tomatoes Sun-dried tomatoes can be a flavorful substitute.
Cheeses
  • 4 ounces Provolone Cheese Feel free to swap it for mozzarella or feta.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast can replace it for a dairy-free option.
Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt makes a lighter alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar Apple cider vinegar can be substituted.
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil Try avocado oil for a unique twist.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can add extra freshness.
  • to taste Salt & Black Pepper Essential for seasoning.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • colander
  • Whisk

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta with diced pepperoni, salami, and ham. Gently stir to evenly distribute the meats.
  3. Add shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced red onions, banana peppers, sliced black olives, and diced tomatoes to the bowl. Gently fold in the fresh ingredients.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix until smooth.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Use a spatula to gently toss and coat every ingredient evenly with the dressing.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. When ready to serve, stir well and serve cold.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 14gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Add lettuce last if preparing in advance to keep it crisp. Stir well before serving to redistribute dressing.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!