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Grinder Pasta Salad 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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