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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

All the irresistible flavors of an Italian grinder sandwich, in pasta salad form! Pepperoni, provolone, pepperoncini peppers, red onion, juicy tomatoes, and tender pasta are all tossed in a creamy Parmesan-garlic dressing for the most incredible-tasting pasta salad.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 485 kcal
Course: Salad , Lunch , Dinner
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces penne pasta
For the grinder salad dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic 
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the grinder pasta salad
  • 4 ounces shredded iceberg lettuce (about 2-3 cups)
  • 4 ounces ham
  • 4 ounces pepperoni
  • 4 ounces salami
  • 4 ounces Provolone cheese
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
  • 1/2 red onion finely diced

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cook the pasta per package directions. Once done, drain and rinse with cold water to cool pasta, then drain again.
To make grinder dressing:
    Cup of Yum
  1. Whisk together all dressing ingredients until the mixture is smooth. Set aside.
To assemble grinder pasta salad:
  1. Slice the ham, pepperoni, and salami into 1/4 inch slices. Cut the provolone into thin slices or small cubes.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the pasta with all salad ingredients.
  3. Pour dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.

Notes

  • Substitutions:
  • Substitutions:
  • How to Store: To save leftovers, place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • How to Store: To save leftovers, place in an airtight container and store
  • How to Scale: This recipe can easily be doubled if you are feeding a crowd or halved for smaller portions.
  • This recipe can easily be doubled if you are feeding a crowd or halved for smaller portions.
  • Chop everything small. Since the lettuce is shredded, I like to make sure all of the mix-ins are cut into bite-sized pieces as well. I recommend cutting the meat into 1/4-inch slices, slicing the provolone into bite-sized pieces, slicing the peppers, halving the tomatoes, and dicing the red onion. That way all of the flavors and textures blend well all together. To prepare ahead: Assemble all ingredients except the shredded lettuce and dressing. Toss the pasta salad with the lettuce and dressing right before serving.
  • Chop everything small. Since the lettuce is shredded, I like to make sure all of the mix-ins are cut into bite-sized pieces as well. I recommend cutting the meat into 1/4-inch slices, slicing the provolone into bite-sized pieces, slicing the peppers, halving the tomatoes, and dicing the red onion. That way all of the flavors and textures blend well all together.
  • To prepare ahead: Assemble all ingredients except the shredded lettuce and dressing. Toss the pasta salad with the lettuce and dressing right before serving.
  • Pasta – Any medium-size, tubular pasta should work well. Bow-tie pasta or rotini are great, too.
  • Red wine vinegar – White wine vinegar or white vinegar will work in a pinch.
  • Iceberg lettuce – Crisp lettuce works best in this salad, so iceberg is ideal, but you can also substitute thinly sliced hearts of romaine for a similar substation.
  • Provolone - Mozzarella cheese will work in place of the provolone.  
  • Red onion – Any onions will work just as well as red onion, such as white, yellow or sweet onion. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 485kcal (24%) Carbohydrates 13g (4%) Protein 21g (42%) Fat 39g (60%) Saturated Fat 13g (65%) Polyunsaturated Fat 11g Monounsaturated Fat 13g Trans Fat 0.3g Cholesterol 69mg (23%) Sodium 1515mg (63%) Potassium 561mg (16%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 1287IU (26%) Vitamin C 22mg (24%) Calcium 236mg (24%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 485

% Daily Value*

Calories 485kcal 24%
Carbohydrates 13g 4%
Protein 21g 42%
Fat 39g 60%
Saturated Fat 13g 65%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11g 65%
Monounsaturated Fat 13g 65%
Trans Fat 0.3g 15%
Cholesterol 69mg 23%
Sodium 1515mg 63%
Potassium 561mg 12%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 1287IU 26%
Vitamin C 22mg 24%
Calcium 236mg 24%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.