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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad: A Flavor Packed Make-Ahead Treat

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful make-ahead dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • 0.5 cup Mayonnaise Substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 3 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar Can be swapped with white wine or apple cider vinegar.
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano Consider using an Italian seasoning blend.
  • 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar Omit for a less sweet dressing.
  • to taste tsp Kosher Salt Adjust according to taste.
  • to taste tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper Use fresh for better flavor.
  • 0.25 cup Olive Oil Can substitute with avocado oil.
Salad
  • 16 oz Short Pasta Use vesuvio or trottole; opt for gluten-free pasta if needed.
  • 0.67 cup Chopped Roasted Red Bell Pepper Fresh bell pepper works well too.
  • 1.5 cups Chopped Cherry Tomatoes Substitute with diced regular tomatoes if needed.
  • 0.5 cup Pickled Teardrop Peppers Can swap with more pepperoncini.
  • 0.5 cup Chopped Pepperoncini Peppers Jalapeños can substitute for heat.
  • 0.5 small Thinly Sliced Red Onion Soak in water to mellow the taste.
  • 4 oz Diced Salami Omit for a vegetarian version.
  • 8 oz Mini Mozzarella Balls Use feta or omit for a dairy-free alternative.
  • 0.5 cup Chopped Basil Leaves Parsley can be a substitute.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • cutting board
  • knife

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the short pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, thinly slice the red onion and soak in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow the taste. Drain well before adding to the salad.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together mayo, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in olive oil until smooth.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine soaked onions, diced salami, roasted red bell peppers, pepperoncini, pickled teardrop peppers, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella. Toss with the dressing.
  5. Fold in the cooled pasta and chopped basil, stirring gently. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 9gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 8mg

Notes

This pasta salad is best served chilled. Adjust ingredients to fit dietary preferences if necessary.

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