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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Zesty Italian Grinder Pasta Salad: A Summer Hit!

Delightful Italian Grinder Pasta Salad bursting with flavor, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 lb Rotini or Shells provides structure and serves as the main component
For the Salad
  • 1.5 cups Romaine or Iceberg Lettuce chopped, adds crunch and freshness
  • 0.5 cups Red Onion sliced
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
  • 0.75 cups Pepperoncini chopped
  • 4 oz Salami chopped
  • 4 oz Ham chopped
  • 4 oz Turkey or Mortadella chopped
  • 0.75 cups Provolone or Mozzarella Cheese cubed
For the Grinder Dressing
  • 0.5 cups Mayonnaise acts as the base for creaminess
  • 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar provides acidity
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard adds tang
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder offers a mellow garlic flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano infuses an herbal note
  • 0.5 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes introduces heat
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium-sized bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Tongs

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, bring to a boil and add the rotini or shells. Cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente, drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper, whisk until smooth.
  3. Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped lettuce, sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped pepperoncini, salami, ham, turkey or mortadella, and cubed cheese.
  4. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over salad ingredients and gently toss until well coated.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve chilled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Customize with favorite deli meats or veggies for personal touches.

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