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Grinder Pasta Salad

Grinder Pasta Salad: A Refreshing Twist on Italian Favorites

Grinder Pasta Salad combines savory Italian flavors, making it a perfect addition to summer gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Rotini Pasta Use gluten-free pasta for a GF option.
For the Meats
  • 8 ounces Oven Roasted Turkey Can substitute with deli chicken or ham.
  • 4 ounces Pepperoni Other salami or spicy deli meats can be swapped.
  • 4 ounces Salami Use prosciutto for a lighter alternative.
For the Cheeses
  • 4 ounces Provolone Cheese Mozzarella or cheddar can be used as substitutes.
  • 4 ounces Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano works as a substitute.
For the Veggies
  • 2 cups Iceberg Lettuce Substitute with romaine or mixed greens.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Any small tomato will suffice.
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoncinis Can be omitted or replaced with banana peppers.
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion Green onions or shallots can be used instead.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Use Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar Apple cider vinegar is a good substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Pepperoncini Juice You can use pickle juice for a similar effect.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Fresh oregano can be used in a pinch.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Garlic powder can be substituted in lesser amounts.
  • to taste Salt Adjust based on personal preference.
  • to taste Black Pepper Adjust based on personal preference.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Medium Bowl
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Grinder Pasta Salad
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini juice, dried oregano, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper until fully combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions for 9-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. Chop the oven-roasted turkey, pepperoni, salami, provolone, and parmesan into bite-sized pieces. Dice the iceberg lettuce, slice the cherry tomatoes in half, and thinly slice the red onion.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta with the chopped turkey, pepperoni, salami, provolone, parmesan, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, pepperoncinis, and red onion. Toss gently to mix.
  5. Pour the chilled dressing over the pasta mixture and toss carefully until all ingredients are well coated.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 18gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This salad is perfect for preparing a day in advance and should be dressed right before serving to keep everything fresh.

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