Print

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 61 reviews

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is a flavorful, hearty salad featuring penne pasta tossed with classic Italian deli meats, provolone cheese, fresh vegetables, and a tangy homemade grinder dressing. This chilled pasta salad makes a perfect side dish or light meal, combining textures and tastes reminiscent of a traditional Italian sub in a delightful pasta form.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 16 ounces penne pasta

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 ounces shredded iceberg lettuce (about 2–3 cups)
  • 4 ounces ham
  • 4 ounces pepperoni
  • 4 ounces salami
  • 4 ounces provolone cheese
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Prepare the penne pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly, then drain again to remove excess water.
  2. Make the Grinder Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, sugar, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the Meats and Cheese: Slice the ham, pepperoni, and salami into 1/4 inch slices. Cut the provolone cheese into thin slices or small cubes as preferred.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced ham, pepperoni, salami, provolone cheese, halved grape tomatoes, sliced pepperoncini peppers, and finely diced red onion.
  5. Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared grinder dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Notes

  • For best flavor, chill the assembled pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
  • You can substitute penne pasta with other short pasta shapes like rotini or rigatoni if preferred.
  • If you prefer a lighter dressing, reduce mayonnaise and substitute part with plain Greek yogurt.
  • Feel free to add or omit deli meats based on preference; turkey or cooked chicken can also work well.
  • Ensure to rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.

Keywords: Italian grinder pasta salad, deli meat pasta salad, Italian pasta salad, penne pasta salad, cold pasta salad, sandwich inspired pasta salad

Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/italian-grinder-pasta-salad-recipe/