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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Ultimate Italian Grinder Pasta Salad for Effortless Meal Prep

Enjoy a creamy and tangy Italian Grinder Pasta Salad, a refreshing twist on deli sandwiches, perfect for effortless meal prep.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Rotini or Fusilli Pasta Choose spiral shapes for great sauce adherence and texture.
For the Veggies
  • 2 cups Iceberg Lettuce Feel free to substitute with spinach.
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion Slice thinly.
  • 1 cup Tomatoes Cherry or grape tomatoes preferred.
  • 1/4 cup Banana Peppers Include some juice for extra flavor.
For the Proteins
  • 4 oz Salami Adjust quantity based on preference.
  • 4 oz Turkey Pepperoni Swap for regular for bolder taste.
  • 6 oz Deli Turkey A lighter meat option.
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 6 oz Provolone Cheese Consider mozzarella or cheddar as substitutes.
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Use as the base for creamy dressing.
  • 3 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar Adds balance to the dressing.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese Fresh versions enhance flavor.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Oregano
  • 1 tsp Cracked Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt Adjust to taste.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse thoroughly under very cold water to stop the cooking process.
  3. While the pasta cools, prep the ingredients: chop the iceberg lettuce, thinly slice the red onion, halve the tomatoes, dice the meats, and cut the cheese.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped lettuce, sliced vegetables, and diced meats. Gently toss to mix thoroughly.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, cracked pepper, and sea salt until smooth.
  6. Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Before serving, give the salad a final toss and add in the remaining dressing as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 18gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This pasta salad is perfect for meal prep and can be customized easily with different proteins or veggies.

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