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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad: A Flavorful Twist to Share

Enjoy a delightful combination of cured meats, crunchy veggies, and creamy dressing in this Italian Grinder Pasta Salad, perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 11 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 1 pound Rotini Pasta Any favorite pasta shape can be used.
For the Meats
  • 6 ounces Sliced Pepperoni Can substitute with turkey pepperoni.
  • 6 ounces Chopped Salami Turkey or chicken deli meat can be used.
  • 6 ounces Chopped Ham Smoked turkey can be used as a substitute.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Shredded Iceberg Lettuce Romaine can serve as an alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Sliced Red Onions Omit or replace with green onions if sensitive.
  • 1/2 cup Sliced Banana Peppers Can substitute with sliced jalapeños.
  • 1/2 cup Sliced Black Olives Green olives may be substituted.
  • 1 cup Chopped Tomatoes Cherry tomatoes can also be used.
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Shredded Provolone Cheese Mozzarella works as a substitute.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Other hard cheeses like pecorino can be used.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Can replace with Greek yogurt.
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar Apple cider vinegar can be an alternative.
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil Avocado oil can also be used.
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
  • to taste Salt & Black Pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowls
  • spatula
  • Airtight Container

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta by boiling salted water over high heat. Add rotini and cook until al dente (9-11 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with sliced pepperoni, chopped salami, and chopped ham. Fold to distribute the meats evenly.
  3. Add shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced red onions, sliced banana peppers, sliced black olives, and chopped tomatoes. Toss to mix.
  4. Prepare the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta and meat mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  6. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Serve cold, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, keep lettuce separate if preparing in advance to maintain freshness. Adjust seasoning before serving according to taste.

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