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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad – A Creamy Taste of Italy

Delight in the flavors of this Italian Grinder Pasta Salad, a creamy tribute to Italy, featuring zesty dressing, savory meats, and rich cheeses.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 8 oz Pasta e.g., rotini, penne, or bowtie
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for lighter version
  • 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional
For the Salads
  • 4 oz Salami or turkey/chicken sausage
  • 4 oz Pepperoni
  • 4 oz Provolone Cheese diced
  • 4 oz Mozzarella Cheese diced
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoncini sliced
  • 2 cups Romaine Lettuce chopped
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil chopped
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente, drain, and cool under cold running water.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, garlic, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
  3. Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix pasta, mozzarella, provolone, salami, pepperoni, tomatoes, onion, and pepperoncini.
  4. Add the Dressing: Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
  5. Fold in Fresh Ingredients: Just before serving, mix in chopped lettuce, basil, and Parmesan cheese.
  6. Chill for Flavor Development: Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For best results, soak red onions in ice water to reduce sharpness and taste. Add fresh herbs before serving for enhanced flavor.

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