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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 57 reviews
  • Author: Jasmine
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of a classic Italian grinder sandwich with a pasta salad. Perfect for a summer picnic or potluck!


Ingredients

Units Scale

Dressing:

  • 1 1/3 cups mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon of peperoncini pepper juice from the jar
  • Marinade oil leftover from the marinated mozzarella balls (use all the oil from both containers)
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salad:

  • 1 pound rotini pasta (cooked until al dente)
  • 2 (8 ounce) containers marinated mozzarella cheese balls in oil (sliced into quarters)
  • 56 peperoncini peppers (sliced in rings)
  • 10 ounce container cherry tomatoes (cut in half) (or cut in quarters depending on size)
  • 1 cup pickled red onion
  • 10 slices deli Genoa salami (cut into chunks)
  • 8 slices deli ham (cut into chunks)
  • 20 slices pepperoni (cut into quarters)
  • 1/2 head lettuce (shredded)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, peperoncini pepper juice, marinade oil, black pepper, salt, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine cooked rotini pasta, marinated mozzarella cheese, peperoncini peppers, cherry tomatoes, pickled red onion, salami, ham, and pepperoni. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and mix well.
  3. Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors meld. Before serving, stir in shredded lettuce.

Notes

  • This salad can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • You can customize the ingredients based on your preferences, such as adding olives or bell peppers.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg