The Ultimate Grinder Pasta Salad
A delicious and vibrant pasta salad inspired by classic grinder sandwiches, perfect for summer picnics and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Chilled
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Short pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli)
- Spicy salami (or marinated grilled veggies for vegetarian)
- Provolone cheese (or mozzarella/goat cheese)
- Cherry tomatoes (or halved grape/sun-dried tomatoes)
- Red onion
- Bell peppers (mixed colors)
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar (or white vinegar)
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Save a cup of pasta water.
- Prep the ingredients: Chop salami, dice provolone, halve tomatoes, chop onion and bell peppers.
- Make the dressing: Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Italian seasoning until emulsified.
- Combine the salad: Drain and rinse pasta, mix with salami, provolone, tomatoes, onion, and peppers, then add dressing.
- Taste and adjust: Season with salt, pepper, or chili flakes; add reserved pasta water if needed.
- Chill: Let sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
Notes
Can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Refresh with extra dressing before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pasta salad, summer salad, Grinder Pasta Salad, picnic food, quick meal