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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe

Evelyn
This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe combines all the flavors of your favorite grinder sandwich in a cold pasta salad perfect for summer potlucks, easy dinners, and meal prep.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Lunch
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 485 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium bowl
  • Colander
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 6 ounces Genoa salami diced
  • 6 ounces deli ham cut into chunks
  • 20 slices pepperoni quartered
  • 8 ounces provolone cheese diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers sliced
  • 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup banana peppers diced
  • 1 1/3 cups mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon pepperoncini juice from jar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 9-10 minutes.
  • While pasta cooks, prepare the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini juice, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt until smooth and creamy.
  • Drain the cooked pasta and rinse under cold water for 20 seconds. Shake off all excess water thoroughly and transfer to a very large mixing bowl.
  • Add the diced salami, ham, pepperoni, provolone cheese, cherry tomatoes, pepperoncini, red onion, and banana peppers to the bowl with the pasta.
  • Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Reserve the remaining dressing.
  • Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
  • Right before serving, gently stir in the remaining dressing and fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled.

Notes

  • Soak red onion in ice water for 10 minutes before adding to remove harsh bite
  • Don't add lettuce until ready to serve to prevent wilting
  • Salad tastes better on day two - perfect for meal prep
  • Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
  • Add a splash of vinegar if salad seems dry after refrigerating
Keyword Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe