Creamy Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
This creamy Italian grinder pasta salad is loaded with deli meats, crisp veggies, and a tangy, zesty dressing. Inspired by the viral grinder sandwich, this easy pasta salad is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 10 MINUTES
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 SERVINGS 1x
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish, SIDE DISH | PASTA SALAD
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: American, AMERICAN | BBQ | SUMMER
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
-
12 oz rotini pasta
-
1 ½ cups shredded iceberg lettuce
-
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
-
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
-
½ cup banana peppers, sliced
-
½ cup pepperoncini, sliced
-
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Meats
-
½ cup salami, chopped
-
½ cup pepperoni, chopped
-
½ cup deli ham, chopped
For the Creamy Grinder Dressing
-
¾ cup mayonnaise
-
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
-
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
-
½ teaspoon garlic powder
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
-
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook rotini according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled. -
Make the Dressing
In a glass bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until smooth and creamy. -
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, add cooled pasta, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, banana peppers, pepperoncini, mozzarella, salami, pepperoni, and ham. -
Add Dressing
Pour the creamy grinder dressing over the top of the ingredients. -
Toss & Combine
Gently toss everything together until evenly coated. -
Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
-
Add lettuce just before serving for maximum crunch
-
Chop everything small for authentic grinder texture
-
Letting it chill enhances flavor
-
Add extra dressing if making ahead