Grinder Pasta Salad
This viral grinder pasta salad recipe transforms the classic Italian grinder sandwich into a hearty cold pasta salad loaded with salami, pepperoni, provolone, and a tangy homemade grinder salad dressing that is perfect for meal prep ideas and summer gatherings. If you have been searching for the best grinder salad recipe from scratch this easy crowd-pleasing dish comes together in just 25 minutes.
A loaded Italian-inspired cold pasta salad with deli meats, cheese, and a creamy tangy grinder dressing ready in 25 minutes.
Nutrition per serving
Ingredients
Pasta
Proteins
Cheese
Grinder Dressing
Vegetables
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking then spread on a sheet pan to cool completely.
Make the Grinder Dressing
Whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. This homemade grinder dressing is the secret to the best flavor.
Prep the Fillings
Slice the salami and pepperoni into bite-sized strips and halves. Cube the provolone cheese into small pieces and drain the banana peppers well so the salad does not become watery.
Combine Everything
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss to coat evenly. Fold in the salami, pepperoni, provolone cubes, and banana peppers until everything is well distributed throughout the salad.
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Toss once more before serving and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and an extra splash of red wine vinegar if needed.
Substitutions
Common mistakes
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