Go Back
+ servings
Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad: A Must-Try Summer Delight

Discover the Italian Grinder Pasta Salad, a vibrant dish making summer gatherings unforgettable with fresh flavors and hearty ingredients.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta and Cheese
  • 1 pound Campanelle Pasta or fusilli or rotini for a different bite
  • 8 ounces Mozzarella Pearls diced fresh mozzarella is a fine alternative
  • 6 ounces Provolone Cheese substitute with Gouda for a unique twist
For the Meats
  • 2.5 ounces Salami ham or turkey work well if you prefer a different cured meat
  • 2.5 ounces Pepperoni omit for a milder taste or use veggie pepperoni for a meatless option
For the Vegetables
  • 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes diced bell peppers or cucumbers can replace them for extra crunch
  • 1 cup Red Onion sliced and soaked in ice water for 10 minutes
  • 0.5 cup Pepperoncini banana peppers are a great substitute if preferred
  • 0.5 head Romaine Lettuce about 1 generous cup, leafy greens like spinach can be used for variation
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Basil parsley can stand in for a different herbal note
For the Dressing
  • 0.75 cup Mayonnaise light mayo recommended, swap with Greek yogurt for a tangier profile
  • 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar apple cider vinegar is a suitable alternative
  • 1-2 cloves Garlic grated, use garlic powder for a milder taste if desired
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Italian seasoning can be an easy swap
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper adjust to taste
  • 0.25 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes omit for a milder dressing
For the Finishing Touch
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated, Pecorino Romano gives a sharper alternative

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium bowl
  • Colander
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, grated garlic, dried oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until smooth and well blended. Cover and refrigerate the dressing while preparing the salad.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add campanelle pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cool water, then set aside to cool.
  3. Soak sliced red onion in a bowl of ice water for 10-15 minutes. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta, mozzarella pearls, provolone cheese, diced salami, pepperoni, drained red onions, sliced pepperoncini, thinly sliced romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced fresh basil. Gently toss to combine.
  5. Pour dressing over the pasta mixture, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and toss until well coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.
  6. Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, basil leaves, and black pepper. Chill before serving for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 12gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Feel free to personalize with your favorite vegetables or meats. Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!