Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

There’s something special about a pasta salad that brings people together. Whether it’s a summer picnic, a potluck, or just a casual weeknight dinner, this Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to share. Inspired by the viral Grinder Sandwich, this salad takes all the bold, zesty flavors of the classic sub and transforms them into a refreshing, satisfying pasta dish.’

If you love tangy, creamy dressings, crisp fresh vegetables, and hearty bites of meat and cheese, then this pasta salad is going to be a favorite in your home. It’s easy to make, full of texture, and perfect for meal prep. You can enjoy it as a main dish, a side for grilled meats, or even as a quick lunch throughout the week.

Let’s dive into what makes this Italian Grinder Pasta Salad so delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Flavor – A combination of creamy, tangy dressing, fresh veggies, and savory meats and cheeses makes every bite a delight.
• Great for Meal Prep – This salad gets even better as it sits, making it perfect for make-ahead meals.
• Easy to Customize – You can switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and family gatherings—everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta Salad:

• 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie work great)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup banana peppers, chopped
• ½ cup sliced black olives
• ½ cup turkey ham, diced
• ½ cup beef sausage, sliced
• ½ cup provolone cheese, cubed
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

How to Make Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. You want the pasta to have a slight bite to it since it will absorb some of the dressing. Once cooked, drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. Let it sit in a colander while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

While the pasta is cooling, start chopping and slicing your ingredients. Dice the turkey ham and beef sausage into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the banana peppers. If you prefer a finer texture, you can shred the provolone cheese instead of cubing it.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). The dressing should be creamy with a slight tang from the vinegar and mustard. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onion, banana peppers, olives, turkey ham, beef sausage, provolone, and mozzarella. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until well coated.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, let the pasta salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Serve cold and enjoy!

Helpful Tips

• Use a Short Pasta – Rotini, bowtie, or penne work best because they hold the dressing well.
• Rinse Your Pasta – After cooking, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop it from getting mushy.
• Customize the Ingredients – Add cucumbers, roasted red peppers, or even a handful of spinach for extra freshness.
• Let It Chill – This salad tastes even better after sitting for a bit, so don’t skip the chilling step!
• Make it Lighter – Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a tangy, lighter dressing.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Mediterranean

Notes

• If you’re making this ahead of time, store the shredded lettuce separately and mix it in right before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
• The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
• If you prefer a stronger flavor, add a little extra Italian seasoning or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values:

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 550mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! This pasta salad actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Just wait to mix in the lettuce until right before serving so it stays fresh.

How long does Italian Grinder Pasta Salad last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, this pasta salad will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom.

What can I use instead of beef sausage?

You can substitute beef sausage with grilled chicken, turkey sausage, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Is this pasta salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely! It’s a great option for meal prepping since it holds up well in the fridge. Pack it in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Stir well before serving.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the mayo-based dressing and fresh veggies don’t freeze well.
• Make-Ahead Tip: If preparing in advance, keep the lettuce separate and mix it in before serving to maintain freshness.

Related Recipes

If you liked this Italian Grinder Pasta Salad, you might also enjoy:

• Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta
• Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta
• Avocado Pasta Salad – Creamy, Fresh, and Oh-So Delicious!
• Creamy High-Protein Tuna Pasta Salad

Conclusion

This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, zesty flavors in a refreshing dish. It’s simple to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a summer barbecue, a potluck, or just a quick and satisfying meal, this pasta salad is sure to become a favorite in your home.

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