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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad: Your Make-Ahead Crowd-Pleaser

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is a vibrant, satisfying dish transforming classic deli flavors into a colorful pasta salad.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 360

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Rotini Pasta Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
For the Meats
  • 4 oz Pepperoni Substitute with turkey pepperoni for a lighter option.
  • 4 oz Salami Can be swapped with any preferred deli meat.
  • 4 oz Ham Opt for turkey or chicken for leaner choices.
For the Vegetables
  • 2 cups Shredded Iceberg Lettuce Use romaine or spinach for added nutrients.
  • 1 cup Sliced Red Onions Soak in water beforehand to mellow the flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Sliced Banana Peppers Pickled jalapeños can substitute for heat.
  • 1/2 cup Sliced Black Olives Omit for a less salty flavor or replace with green olives.
  • 1 cup Chopped Tomatoes Cherry tomatoes work well too.
For the Cheeses
  • 1 cup Shredded Provolone Cheese Mozzarella or feta are good alternatives.
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast can substitute for dairy-free.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt may be used for a healthier twist.
  • 3 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can replace it.
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil Any neutral oil, such as avocado oil, is a good substitute.
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Fresh herbs like oregano or basil can be used.
  • to taste Salt & Black Pepper Use sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Colander
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely before moving on to the next step.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta with pepperoni, salami, ham, shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced red onions, banana peppers, sliced black olives, and chopped tomatoes. Toss everything together gently to ensure even distribution.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  4. Pour the prepared dressing over the combined pasta and meat mixture. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss the salad, coating every ingredient with the creamy dressing.
  5. Once combined, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the ingredients and dressing. Serve cold, and feel free to garnish with additional grated Parmesan or chopped fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 280mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients, particularly vegetables, to enhance flavor and crunch. Add lettuce just before serving to prevent wilting and maintain its crunch.

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