Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

All the irresistible flavors of an Italian grinder sandwich come together in this delicious pasta salad. Featuring pepperoni, provolone, pepperoncini peppers, and a creamy Parmesan-garlic dressing, it’s perfect for a crowd or a simple meal at home.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces penne pasta
• For the grinder salad 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
• For the grinder pasta salad:
• 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. Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool, then drain again thoroughly.
2. Step 2: To make the grinder dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, sugar, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese until smooth. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Slice the ham, pepperoni, and salami into 1/4-inch slices. Cut the provolone into thin slices or small cubes.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with shredded lettuce, ham, pepperoni, salami, provolone, grape tomatoes, pepperoncini peppers, and diced red onion.
5. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately or chill before serving for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Chop all ingredients into bite-sized pieces so the flavors blend beautifully and every bite is balanced.
• Substitute bow-tie or rotini pasta if penne isn’t available.
• If you don’t have red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar or white vinegar works as a substitute.
• Swap iceberg lettuce with thinly sliced romaine hearts for a similar crisp texture.
• Mozzarella can replace provolone for a milder cheese flavor.
• Any onion variety such as white, yellow, or sweet onion can be used instead of red onion.
• Prepare all ingredients ahead except lettuce and dressing, then toss right before serving to keep lettuce crisp.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For best texture, add the shredded lettuce and dressing just before serving when reheating isn’t necessary.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble all ingredients except for the lettuce and dressing in advance. Add the lettuce and toss with dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

What if I don’t have pepperoncini peppers?

You can substitute banana peppers or mild pickled peppers to maintain that tangy, slightly spicy flavor.

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 128 reviews

This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad captures all the mouthwatering flavors of a classic Italian grinder sandwich in a refreshing pasta salad. Featuring penne pasta tossed with ham, pepperoni, salami, provolone cheese, pepperoncini peppers, red onion, grape tomatoes, and shredded iceberg lettuce, all coated in a creamy Parmesan-garlic dressing. Perfect for a quick, flavorful lunch or a crowd-pleasing side dish.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 16 ounces penne pasta

Grinder Salad 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

Grinder Pasta Salad

• 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: Boil the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta, then drain again to remove excess moisture.
2. Prepare the grinder dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, sugar, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese until you get a smooth and creamy dressing. Set aside.
3. Slice the meats and cheese: Cut the ham, pepperoni, and salami into 1/4-inch slices. Slice the provolone cheese into thin slices or small cubes for easy mixing.
4. Assemble the pasta salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced deli meats, provolone cheese, halved grape tomatoes, sliced pepperoncini peppers, and finely diced red onion.
5. Toss the salad: Pour the prepared grinder dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together until all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
6. Serve and enjoy: Optionally share your creation on social media! This salad can be served immediately or chilled for enhanced flavors.

Notes

• Chop all ingredients into bite-sized pieces to ensure a balanced texture and flavor with every bite.
• To prepare ahead, assemble all ingredients except shredded lettuce and dressing. Add these just before serving to maintain freshness.
• Substitute penne pasta with other medium-size tubular pastas like rotini or bow-tie pasta for variety.
• If you don’t have red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar or white vinegar can be used instead.
• Iceberg lettuce yields the best crispiness, but thinly sliced romaine hearts can be a good substitute.
• Mozzarella cheese may be used in place of provolone for a milder taste.
• Different onion varieties such as white, yellow, or sweet onions can replace red onion if desired.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
• The recipe can be easily doubled or halved depending on the number of servings needed.

Keywords: Italian pasta salad, grinder pasta salad, Italian deli salad, penne pasta salad, picnic salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad