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–+ servings
Bowl of quick Italian Grinder Pasta Salad with fresh vegetables and dressing

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

A colorful and flavorful pasta salad featuring a mix of fresh ingredients, perfect for gatherings and weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dressing

  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise (light mayo)
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1-2 cloves fresh garlic (grated) Use 1 if large.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Pasta and Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried pasta (like campanelle)
  • 8 ounces mozzarella pearls
  • 6 ounces provolone cheese (diced)
  • 2.5 ounces hard salami (diced)
  • 2.5 ounces pepperoni (diced)
  • 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup sliced red onion Soaked in ice water for 10 minutes.
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini
  • 1/2 medium head romaine lettuce (thinly sliced) About 1 generous cup.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil (thinly sliced)
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions, salting the water well before adding the pasta.
  • While the pasta boils, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, grated garlic, oregano, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
  • Drain the pasta once it's al dente and rinse it under cold water to cool it down.
  • Add the cooled pasta to the mixing bowl along with the mozzarella pearls, diced provolone, hard salami, and pepperoni. Gently toss to coat everything in the dressing.
  • Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, pepperoncini, and romaine lettuce. Toss gently to combine.
  • Finish by adding fresh basil and parmesan cheese, folding them in gently.

Chilling

  • If time allows, let the salad rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes to meld the flavors.

Notes

Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Adding a squirt of lemon juice can help revive the flavor when reheating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 17gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 820mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g
Keyword easy dinner, Grinder Salad, Italian salad, Pasta Salad, Summer Recipes
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