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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Zesty Italian Grinder Pasta Salad That Steals the Show

This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is a customizable, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz rotini pasta feel free to use gluten-free alternatives like chickpea or quinoa pasta
For the Meats
  • 6 oz pepperoni can substitute with turkey or chicken slices for a leaner option
  • 6 oz salami omit or replace with extra veggies for a vegetarian alternative
  • 6 oz ham any deli meat alternative works well, such as turkey ham
For the Veggies
  • 4 cups iceberg lettuce romaine or mixed greens can add more robust flavor
  • 1 cup red onions substitute with sweet onions for a milder taste
  • 1 cup banana peppers can substitute with jalapeños for more heat
  • 1 cup black olives can use green olives if preferred
  • 2 medium tomatoes cherry tomatoes can be a convenient choice
For the Cheeses
  • 8 oz provolone cheese swap for mozzarella or feta to vary
  • 4 oz parmesan cheese nutritional yeast is a good dairy-free option
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative
  • 3 tbl red wine vinegar can use apple cider vinegar as a substitute
  • 1/2 cup olive oil avocado oil can also be used
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be added
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • small bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and the rotini pasta, cooking according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water, then spread on a baking sheet to cool.
  2. Chop the pepperoni, salami, and ham into bite-sized pieces. Combine these meats in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Shred the iceberg lettuce and chop the red onions, banana peppers, black olives, and tomatoes. Add these to the bowl with the meats.
  4. Cube the provolone cheese and finely grate the parmesan. Add these cheeses to the mixing bowl and fold all the ingredients evenly together.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Pour this dressing over the salad mix.
  6. Gently toss everything together to ensure every bite is well-coated. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  7. Before serving, give the salad a quick stir to redistribute the dressing. Enjoy your refreshing Italian Grinder Pasta Salad!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Chill the salad for optimal flavor and maintain a crunchy texture by adding lettuce right before serving.

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