Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner, it’s packed with flavor and ready in no time. You’ll love how the tangy Italian dressing brings all the ingredients together, creating a rejuvenating and satisfying dish. The combination of savory meats, fresh veggies, and tender pasta makes every bite a delightful mix of textures. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can tweak it to suit your taste or what’s in your fridge!

Recipe

This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the classic elements of a grinder sandwich with the comforting texture of pasta. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a hearty family meal, delivering a satisfying mix of savory, tangy, and fresh flavors.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 cup diced salami
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup diced provolone cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For the dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, salami, ham, provolone cheese, cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, pepperoncini, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
• Add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for extra flavor and texture.

Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Chill Time: 1 hour

Serving: 6

Calories: ~450 per serving

Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is both delicious and nutritious. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content:

What To Serve With It

When I serve Italian Grinder Pasta Salad, I love pairing it with warm, crusty bread like a baguette or garlic bread to soak up all the flavors. A simple side salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a revitalizing balance to the meal. These combos make the dish feel complete and keep everyone coming back for more!

Fresh Bread Options

Although the Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is already hearty and flavorful by itself, pairing it with fresh bread can take the meal to the next level. I love serving it with warm, crusty artisan bread—its chewy texture and rich flavor complement the salad perfectly. If I’m in the mood for something smaller, I’ll grab ciabatta rolls, which are soft inside and crispy outside, just right for scooping up bites of pasta. There’s something satisfying about tearing into a fresh piece of bread alongside this dish. It’s simple, but it makes the meal feel complete and a little extra special.

Side Salad Ideas

Since the Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is already packed with bold flavors, I like to keep the side salad light and stimulating to balance things out. I love experimenting with creative combinations, like a simple arugula salad with shaved Parmesan, lemon vinaigrette, and toasted pine nuts. Seasonal ingredients make it even better—think crisp apples in fall or juicy strawberries in spring. A cucumber and radish salad with a tangy yogurt dressing is another invigorating option. Sometimes, I’ll toss together mixed greens with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a light balsamic glaze. These sides complement the pasta salad without overpowering it.