Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

Grinder Pasta Salad is a flavorful, hearty dish that combines classic sandwich ingredients with a zesty dressing. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for gatherings or a satisfying lunch, blending pasta, meats, cheese, and tangy banana peppers.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon banana pepper juice (from the jar of banana pepper rings)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/3 cup banana pepper rings
• 1/4 red onion, or to taste
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 5 ounces salami
• 6 ounces deli turkey breast
• 8 ounces sliced provolone cheese
• 1 pound rotini pasta

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, garlic powder, and oregano until smooth to make the dressing.
3. Step 3: Chop provolone cheese, turkey, and salami into small bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion and halve the cherry tomatoes. Chop the banana pepper rings.
4. Step 4: In a very large bowl, combine the chopped meats, cheese, vegetables, and cooked pasta. Drizzle the dressing over and toss gently until everything is well coated.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate to let flavors meld before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• Add chopped fresh basil or parsley for an herbal boost.
• Try other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli if rotini is unavailable.
• Include sliced black olives or diced cucumbers for extra crunch and flavor.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again. It can be served cold or at room temperature. Avoid freezing as the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance or the night before. Refrigerate it covered to allow the flavors to blend and ensure it stays fresh.

What can I substitute for banana pepper juice?

If you don’t have banana pepper juice, you can use a splash of dill pickle juice or pepperoncini juice for a similar tangy flavor.

Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 113 reviews

A zesty and flavorful Grinder Pasta Salad combining rotini pasta with savory salami, deli turkey, provolone cheese, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a tangy banana pepper mayonnaise dressing. Perfect as a make-ahead lunch or a hearty side dish for gatherings.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Dressing

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp banana pepper juice (from the jar of banana pepper rings)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp oregano

Salad

• 1/3 cup banana pepper rings, chopped
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (or to taste)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 5 ounces salami, chopped into bite-size pieces
• 6 ounces deli turkey breast, chopped into bite-size pieces
• 8 ounces sliced provolone cheese, chopped into bite-size pieces
• 1 pound rotini pasta

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over the stovetop. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.
2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, garlic powder, and oregano until smooth and well combined.
3. Assemble the salad: Chop the provolone cheese, turkey breast, and salami into small bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the banana pepper rings. Combine all these ingredients in a large bowl. Add the cooled pasta and pour the dressing over the mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
4. Serve or Store: Serve the pasta salad immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. This salad can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

• Rinsing the pasta under cold water helps to cool it quickly and prevents it from sticking together in the salad.
• Adjust the amount of banana pepper juice for more or less tang and heat in the dressing.
• This salad can be made a day ahead, but toss just before serving to maintain freshness.
• Optional additions include black olives or chopped fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor.
• Use gluten-free pasta if dietary restrictions require.

Keywords: Grinder pasta salad, rotini pasta salad, deli meat pasta salad, Italian pasta salad, picnic pasta salad