Print

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
Print Recipe

The Italian Grinder Pasta Salad combines al dente pasta with crisp vegetables, savory Italian cold cuts, creamy cheese, and a tangy homemade vinaigrette, delivering bold, authentic Italian deli flavors in a fresh and easy-to-make salad perfect for lunches, picnics, or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz rotini or penne pasta

Italian Cold Cuts

  • 6 oz classic salami, pepperoni, or ham, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Fresh Vegetables

  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, sliced
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onions

Cheese

  • 4 oz provolone or mozzarella, cubed or sliced

Dressing

  • 1/3 cup Italian vinaigrette (with oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar)

Added Flavors

  • 1/3 cup olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables and Meats: While the pasta cooks, chop the romaine lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice cucumbers and red onions thinly. Cut Italian cold cuts into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, Italian cold cuts, olives, pepperoncini, and cheese to ensure an even distribution of all components.
  4. Add the Dressing: Pour Italian vinaigrette over the mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the vegetables.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature according to your preference.

Notes

  • Do not overcook the pasta; it should remain firm for the best texture.
  • Allow the salad to chill before serving to enhance the flavors.
  • Add the vinaigrette gradually to avoid sogginess and ensure proper seasoning.
  • Add fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their brightness.
  • Use high-quality Italian meats and fresh produce for the best taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian pasta salad, Italian grinder salad, cold pasta salad, deli-style pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer pasta salad

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