Description
A refreshing and flavorful Grinder Pasta Salad featuring rotini pasta tossed with crisp vegetables, Italian meats, mozzarella pearls, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect as a make-ahead dish for picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings, this salad is chilled to let the flavors meld and finished with fresh lettuce for a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup Italian dressing
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves (grated or finely minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salad
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 cup cucumbers (diced)
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
- ½ cup pepperoncinis
- 1 cup salami (cut into slices)
- 1 cup pepperoni (cut into slices)
- ½ cup pickled red onions (or red onions cut into thin slices)
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1 cup crisp lettuce (romaine or iceberg, chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Italian dressing, grated parmesan cheese, grated or minced garlic cloves, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until fully combined, then cover and place the dressing in the refrigerator to chill until ready to use.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water in a colander to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta, then set aside.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, place the cooled pasta, diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, pepperoncinis, sliced salami, sliced pepperoni, pickled red onions, and mozzarella pearls. Gently toss all these ingredients together to distribute evenly.
- Add Dressing and Season: Pour the chilled dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding additional salt and pepper if desired. Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Finish and Serve: Just before serving, fold in the chopped crisp lettuce for added freshness and crunch. Serve the Grinder Pasta Salad cold, making it a perfect side or main dish for warm-weather meals or gatherings.
Notes
- For the best texture, be sure to rinse the pasta thoroughly after cooking to cool it and prevent sticking.
- This salad is best served chilled and can be made a few hours in advance.
- You can substitute salami and pepperoni with other deli meats if preferred.
- Use fresh garlic for a more robust flavor, but garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a light mayo alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
