Italian Grinder Pasta Salad: A Flavorful and Hearty Side Dish

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of a classic Italian grinder sandwich in a refreshing pasta salad. With a creamy and tangy dressing, marinated mozzarella, crunchy pepperoncini, and a medley of savory deli meats, this pasta salad is perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a hearty side for any meal. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Why Make This Recipe

A Fresh Take on the Italian Grinder

This pasta salad is inspired by the classic Italian grinder sandwich, packed with marinated mozzarella, deli meats, and pickled vegetables. The combination of creamy dressing and vibrant ingredients brings the essence of the sandwich into a refreshing pasta dish.

Versatile and Flavorful

The salad is rich in flavor with a slight tang from the pickled onions, pepperoncini, and red wine vinegar. The creamy dressing balances everything, making each bite satisfying. It’s customizable with different veggies or meats, so feel free to adapt it based on your preferences.

Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals

This pasta salad is great for prepping ahead of time. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it an excellent dish to prepare a few hours or even a day before serving. It’s ideal for parties, picnics, or as a side dish for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Dressing:

• 1 1/3 cups mayonnaise: The base of the dressing, adding creaminess. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier option or use light mayo.
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar: Adds tanginess to balance the creaminess of the mayo. You can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if needed.
• 1 tablespoon peperoncini pepper juice: This adds a nice zesty kick. You can replace it with a little bit of pickled jalapeño juice if you want more heat.
• Marinade oil from marinated mozzarella balls: Adds extra flavor from the mozzarella marinade. If you don’t have it, you can use olive oil.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper enhances the flavor. Adjust to taste.
• 1 teaspoon salt: A little salt goes a long way. Adjust based on your preference.
• 1 teaspoon oregano: Oregano adds an Italian herb flavor. You can substitute with basil or Italian seasoning.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor. Fresh minced garlic can be used if preferred.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Add this for a spicy kick. If you don’t like spice, you can skip it.

For the Salad:

• 1 pound rotini pasta: Rotini pasta holds the dressing well, but any pasta shape like penne or farfalle will work.
• 2 (8-ounce) containers marinated mozzarella cheese balls: These cheese balls are packed in herbed oil and add a delicious richness. You can substitute with fresh mozzarella or bocconcini.
• 5-6 peperoncini peppers: These bring a mild heat and tang. You can replace them with banana peppers or omit them for a milder salad.
• 10-ounce container cherry tomatoes: Cut in half, these add freshness and sweetness. You can use grape tomatoes as an alternative.
• 1 cup pickled red onion: Adds color and tang. You can use regular red onions if you prefer a milder flavor.
• 10 slices deli Genoa salami: Adds a savory, rich flavor. You can substitute with other deli meats like pepperoni or prosciutto.
• 8 slices deli ham: Adds a mild and savory component to the salad. You can substitute with turkey or chicken slices.
• 20 slices pepperoni: Adds a crunchy texture and a bit of spice. You can use any preferred deli meat or omit it entirely for a lighter version.
• 1/2 head lettuce (shredded): Lettuce adds crunch and freshness to the salad. You can use iceberg, romaine, or a combination of greens for texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dressing:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, peperoncini pepper juice, mozzarella ball marinade oil, black pepper, salt, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.

2. Prepare the Salad:

• Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool under cold water.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinated mozzarella balls, sliced peperoncini peppers, cherry tomatoes, pickled red onion, salami, ham, and pepperoni. Do not add the shredded lettuce yet.

3. Combine and Toss:

• Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and gently stir to combine, ensuring that everything is coated with the dressing.

4. Refrigerate:

• Cover the salad with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Add Lettuce:

• When ready to serve, gently stir in the shredded lettuce. Toss lightly so the lettuce stays crisp.

6. Serve:

• Serve chilled, and enjoy this delicious, hearty salad!

How to Serve Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a standalone dish for a light meal. It’s perfect for barbecues, picnics, or potlucks. You can serve it as a main or side dish, and it will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

How to Store Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This salad is not recommended for freezing, as the dressing may separate and the texture of the lettuce and tomatoes could change.

Tips to Make Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

1. Make ahead: This salad tastes even better after it has had time to sit in the fridge, so feel free to make it ahead of time.
2. Adjust the spice: If you prefer a spicier salad, add extra red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoncini or jalapeños.
3. For a lighter version: Use light mayo or substitute some of the mayo with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the deli meats and add extra veggies like cucumber, olives, or artichokes.
• Dairy-free: Omit the cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this salad vegan.
• Make it spicy: Add more jalapeños or hot sauce to the dressing for a spicier kick.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s a great dish for prepping ahead of time for busy days.

Can I use regular pasta instead of rotini?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, bowtie, or shells.

Can I substitute the mozzarella balls?
Yes, you can substitute marinated mozzarella balls with fresh mozzarella, bocconcini, or even crumbled feta.

Conclusion

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is a flavorful and filling salad that combines all the goodness of an Italian grinder sandwich in pasta form. With a creamy, tangy dressing, savory deli meats, and a medley of vegetables, this salad is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to impress your guests!

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