Description
This Grinder Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful twist on the viral grinder sandwich! Packed with crisp lettuce, tangy banana peppers, creamy dressing, and savory deli meats, this pasta salad is the perfect side dish or a satisfying main course. Great for meal prep, potlucks, and summer gatherings!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta Salad:
- 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup banana peppers, chopped
- 1 cup iceberg or romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 lb deli turkey, ham, or salami, chopped
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
-
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify.
-
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, red onion, banana peppers, lettuce, black olives, deli meats, and cheeses.
-
Add the Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly.
-
Chill & Serve:
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve cold and enjoy!
Notes
- You can swap turkey, ham, or salami for your favorite deli meat.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or hot banana peppers.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Avoid adding lettuce until just before serving to keep it crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg