Description

This Grinder Pasta Salad is a flavorful and hearty cold pasta dish inspired by classic Italian deli sandwiches. Featuring rotini pasta, pepperoni, salami, ham, fresh vegetables, and a creamy Italian-seasoned mayonnaise dressing, this salad makes a perfect side or light meal. Its combination of savory meats, tangy banana peppers, and fresh romaine lettuce creates a delicious and refreshing salad that’s easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
1/2 cup diced salami
1/2 cup diced ham
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup sliced banana peppers
1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Dressing

3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Then drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water to cool it completely, preventing overcooking and sticking. Set the pasta aside.
Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Combine Main Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, pepperoni, salami, ham, cherry tomatoes, banana peppers, red onion, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese into the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Add Lettuce and Chill: Just before serving, gently fold in the chopped romaine lettuce to maintain its crispness. Cover the pasta salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the salad to become refreshingly cool.

Notes

For an extra tangy flavor, add a tablespoon of banana pepper brine to the dressing.
You can substitute provolone cheese for mozzarella according to your preference.
This pasta salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it convenient for meal prep or parties.