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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish inspired by classic Italian sandwiches, combining al dente pasta, savory Italian deli meats, fresh crisp vegetables, and tangy Italian dressing for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing salad perfect for lunches, barbecues, or easy meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz rotini or penne pasta

Italian Deli Meats

  • 3 oz salami, sliced
  • 3 oz pepperoni, sliced
  • 3 oz ham, sliced

Cheese

  • 4 oz provolone cheese, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables & Olives

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

Dressing & Herbs

  • 3/4 cup zesty Italian dressing
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini or penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking and chill the pasta for the salad.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables and Meat: While the pasta cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the green bell pepper, thinly slice the red onion, and slice salami, pepperoni, ham, and provolone cheese into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Combine Ingredients in a Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, prepared veggies, sliced meats, olives, and provolone cheese. Toss gently to mix and evenly distribute the ingredients.
  4. Add the Dressing and Toss: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad. Toss thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is coated with the tangy, herbal vinaigrette.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

  • Cook pasta al dente to maintain a firm texture after chilling.
  • Use a quality Italian dressing with fresh herbs and olive oil for the best flavor.
  • Chill the salad before serving to enhance the taste and refreshing qualities.
  • Make the salad a day ahead to deepen flavors; however, toss extra dressing before serving to keep it fresh.
  • Maintain a balanced ratio of pasta, veggies, cheese, and meats for optimal texture and flavor harmony.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian pasta salad, grinder pasta salad, Italian deli meat salad, cold pasta salad, picnic pasta salad

Find it online: https://dishesbylina.com/italian-grinder-pasta-salad/