Name: Grinder Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoons banana pepper juice (from the jar of banana pepper rings); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp oregano; 1/3 cup banana pepper rings; 1/4 red onion, or to taste; 1 cup cherry tomatoes; 5 ounces salami; 6 ounces deli turkey breast; 8 ounces sliced provolone cheese; 1 pound rotini pasta

Grinder Pasta Salad combines the bold flavors of a classic Italian-American grinder sandwich with pasta, featuring a tangy dressing, savory deli meats, provolone cheese, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for gatherings, this versatile dish can be made ahead and enjoyed as a main or side.

A large white bowl filled with colorful grinder pasta salad filled with deli meats, cheeses, and veggies.

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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe

Summer is the perfect time for outdoor gatherings, and no picnic or barbecue is complete without a delicious pasta salad. If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with a dish that’s both unique and packed with flavor, this Grinder Pasta Salad is the answer.

Inspired by the classic Italian-American grinder sandwich, this salad combines bold, tangy, and savory ingredients that will make everyone happy. A delicious twist on my own recipe of the Viral Chopped Italian Sub Sandwiches. This version takes all that goodness of the classic sandwich and instead of adding it to bread it gets mixed with pasta!

This grinder pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for picnics, summer potlucks, and barbecues. Its hearty ingredients ensure that it can serve as both a main dish or a side, satisfying a variety of tastes and appetites. It’s a great way to serve a crowd!

One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. You can add more ingredients you like or take away the ones you don’t. It can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully, and it holds up well in the refrigerator. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, making it a hit with both the little ones and adults.

Overhead view of a white bowl with colorful italian grinder pasta salad filled with deli meats, cheeses, and veggies.

Ingredients

Mayonnaise – For that perfect creamy dressing.
Red Wine Vinegar – A few splashes helps keep that tanginess for a perfectly balanced pasta salad.
Banana Peppers – And don’t forget some of the juice from the jar of banana pepper rings, so important with helping flavor the dressing. You can also use pepperoncini peppers instead of banana peppers (You would want to use the pepperoncini brine just like you would the banana pepper).
Garlic Powder – For flavoring the dressing.
Oregano – Also for flavoring the dressing.
Red Onion – I love some good crunchy red onion in my sub or pasta salad but feel free to leave it out if needed. Feel free to use sliced or diced red onion depending on how much you love red onions.
Cherry Tomatoes – Or grape tomatoes or whatever small variety you have available.
Salami – I like the thin sliced deli salami, you can opt for something thicker cut.
Deli Turkey Breast – I try to avoid the deli turkey with sweet flavorings but you can use whichever works for you.
Sliced Provolone Cheese – If you don’t want to use provolone I suggest swapping out for mozzarella.
Rotini Pasta – I like to use rotini pasta for pasta salad but you can use other pastas of a similar shape.

pro tip

When buying the meats and cheese it is okay if your amounts are an ounce or two off from the written recipe, it will all still taste good.

Instructions

Bring a pot of water to a boil on the stovetop. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down.

In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, garlic powder, and oregano. Whisk together until smooth.

Chop the provolone cheese, turkey, and salami into bite-sized pieces.

Thinly slice the red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Chop the banana pepper rings.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped meats and cheese, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and banana pepper rings.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss everything together until well coated and mixed.

Serve immediately or cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Close up of colorful grinder pasta salad with pasta, deli meats, cheeses, and veggies.

tips, tricks and questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any short pasta like penne, farfalle, or fusilli. The key is to choose a pasta that holds up well to the dressing and other ingredients.

Is there a substitute for banana pepper juice?

If you don’t have banana pepper juice, a splash of pickle juice or extra red wine vinegar will work just fine. These alternatives will still provide that necessary tanginess.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the provolone cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The salad will still be delicious without the cheese.

Can I add other proteins?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, ham, or even tuna would be great additions to this pasta salad, providing extra protein and variety.

Variations:

Customize the Meats and Cheeses – Feel free to use different meats and cheeses to suit your personal preferences. Ham, roast beef, pepperoni, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese can be excellent substitutes or additions.

Add More Veggies – Enhance the flavor and crunch by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, artichoke hearts, or olives. These additions not only add texture but also make the salad even more nutritious. If you aren’t waiting too long to serve this you could also add some chopped iceberg lettuce or romaine lettuce.

Spice it Up – If you like a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the dressing. This will give your pasta salad an extra kick.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep.

A white bowl filled with italian sub grinder pasta salad filled with deli meats, cheese, and vegetables.

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Yield: serves 8