This Easy Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is packed with delicious flavors! It’s full of colorful veggies, zesty salami, and creamy cheese, all tossed in a tasty dressing.
Making this salad is a breeze—you just cook the pasta, mix in your favorite ingredients, and chill! Perfect for picnics or BBQs—everyone will want seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This is the star of the salad. You can swap it for other pasta shapes like fusilli, rotini, or farfalle. Just make sure it’s a pasta that holds dressing well.
Salami: While salami is traditional, you can use pepperoni or even cooked chicken if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, try marinated artichokes or olives.
Cheese: Provolone lends a nice flavor, but mozzarella or even feta work well. Each provides a different taste and texture, depending on what you like!
Dressing: If you want a lighter version, use plain yogurt instead of mayonnaise. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dressing if you want to add some freshness.
How Do I Make Sure the Pasta Doesn’t Stick Together?
To keep your pasta from clumping, you need to rinse it after cooking. This cools it down quickly and washes away some of the starch. Here’s how:
- Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, following package directions.
- Drain the pasta and then rinse under cold water until cool. This step is key!
- Let the pasta drain well before tossing it in your salad.
This simple tip makes mixing everything together later easy and helps your salad stay fresh longer.
Easy Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 cup salami, chopped
- 1 cup ham or turkey, chopped
- 1 cup provolone cheese, diced
- 1 cup pepperoni, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup banana pepper rings, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or white vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Italian Grinder Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes to prep, and you’ll want to chill it for at least 1-2 hours. This is when the flavors get to know each other and become delicious! So, overall, you can expect around 2 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for an al dente texture. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta. Then toss in the chopped salami, ham or turkey, diced provolone cheese, optional pepperoni, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, sliced banana peppers, and optional parsley. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), garlic powder, Italian seasoning, vinegar, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth mixture.
4. Combine Pasta and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything to coat each ingredient well. This is where all the flavors come together!
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld, making the salad even tastier.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a good stir. You can enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect for parties, picnics, or as a hearty side dish!
Enjoy this flavorful and creamy Italian grinder pasta salad with family and friends!
FAQ for Easy Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great substitute and adds a nutty flavor to the salad. Just cook it according to the package instructions, and let it cool the same way.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Dressing?
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use plain Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and sour cream. For a vegan version, try a dairy-free mayonnaise or avocado for creaminess!
How Long Does This Pasta Salad Last in the Fridge?
This Italian grinder pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a little stir before serving again, as the dressing might thicken.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies. Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or olives would all make excellent additions. Just remember to chop them into bite-sized pieces for ease of eating!
