Home Kitchen Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

What do you get when you combine an Italian Grinder with Pasta salad?

You guessed it, an Italian Grinder Pasta Salad. It’s all over the internet these days, so of course I made my version of this viral pasta salad to share with you. In it, cooked campanelle pasta is tossed with diced salami, pepperoni, provolone and mozzarella cheeses, sliced pepperoncini, red onion, romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes is tossed with a creamy and satisfying yet ESPECIALLY simple creamy dressing. Basically it’s everything you love in a grinder sandwich but in pasta salad form.

This loaded pasta salad goes great with only about anything, chicken or steak, burgers, brats or hotdogs.

To cook this Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Set out:

for the dressing:

• mayonnaise – Lends flavor and creaminess.
• red wine vinegar – For a touch of tangy acidity.
• garlic – Gives the dressing distinct punchy flavor.
• oregano (dried) – Adds earthy and slightly bitter flavor.
• red pepper flakes – For a touch of spice and flavor.
• freshly ground black pepper – Adds some subtle bite and flavor.

for the pasta salad:

• dry pasta – I used campanelle but any similar shape/size pasta will work.
• provolone cheese – Lends a sharp, complex taste with buttery and creamy flavors.
• mozzarella cheese – For this salad I used small pearled mozzarella.
• salami – I used uncured salame (Fredrick’s of Meijer – not sponsored) that I diced up myself.
• pepperoni – Same as above. I used a pepperoni stick (Boar’s Head – not sponsored) and diced it into cubes.
• red onion – Consider soaking onions in ice water to remove a lot of the bite. You still get onion flavor but it mellows out considerably.
• pepperoncini – Purchase pre sliced pepperoncini for less prep work.
• romaine lettuce – Adds a pop of color and subtle crunch.
• cherry tomatoes – Lend a touch of juicy sweet flavor.
• basil (fresh) – Lends bright herbaceous freshness.
• parmesan cheese – Adds a touch of nuttiness. Use freshly grated for dependable flavor.

In a bowl, measure and add 3/4 cup mayonnaise (I use light mayo, but any will do), 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 to 2 cloves fresh garlic (grated – use 1 if large), 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes – or to taste.

Whisk to combine, cover and refrigerate until ready to use. This dressing can be made up to 1 day in advance.

Start by bringing a large pot of water to boil. Once boiling, stir in a palm-full (about 1 to 2 tablespoons) of fine sea salt and then add in 1 pound of pasta. For this dish I’m using campanelle which is a flute-like shape. It’s a good idea to stir the pasta every couple of minutes. Cook accordingly to package directions.

Once cooked, drain the pasta into a colander and rinse with cool water. Doing this rinses off any of the starch clinging to the pasta, which in turn keeps the pasta from sticking together. It also halts any further cooking and cools the pasta down so you can quickly make the salad.

I only ever rinse pasta for cold pasta salads. I pretty sure it’s considered a culinary sin otherwise.

Thinly slice 1 cup red onion. Add it to a bowl with ice and water. Let the onion soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prep all other ingredients.

Soaking onions in ice water removes a lot of the bite. You still get onion flavor but it’s mellowed out considerably.

In a large mixing bowl, add drained, cooked and cooled pasta, 8 ounces mozzarella pearls, 6 ounces diced provolone cheese, 3 ounces diced hard salami, 3 ounces diced pepperoni, drain and add in the onions, 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini, 1 to 1-1/2 cups sliced romaine lettuce, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil.

Pour in the dressing.

Add in 1/4 cup freshly gated parmesan cheese.

Carefully toss to combine.

Transfer to a serving dish, top with extra parmesan cheese, a few small basil leaves and freshly round black pepper.

Can you Make Italian Grinder Pasta Salad In Advance?

You can make the salad dressing 1 day in advance however you should combine the salad ingredients and toss in the dressing no more than 30 minutes prior to serving.

How To Store Italian Grinder Pasta Salad:

Store any leftover pasta salad in a air-tight container and refrigerate for 3 to 5 days. Keep in mind that the longer the salad sits, the more the pasta will absorb the dressing.

What To Serve With Italian Grinder Pasta Salad:

• burgers, brats or hotdogs or plant based protein.
• grilled chicken breast or thighs.
• grilled steak of choice.
• serve it as is for a simple meal.

Enjoy! And if you give this Italian Grinder Pasta Salad recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!