Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta salad is loaded with satisfying textures and zesty Italian flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser that blends the best parts of an Italian grinder sandwich—salami, ham, provolone, pickled veggies, and more—into a cold pasta salad. It’s easy to make, holds up well in the fridge, and can be customized with your favorite sandwich toppings. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, this salad is guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (rotini, penne, or your choice)
• Salami (sliced or chopped)
• Deli ham (sliced or chopped)
• Provolone cheese (cubed or shredded)
• Red onion (thinly sliced)
• Banana peppers (sliced)
• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Romaine or iceberg lettuce (shredded)
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

For the Dressing:

• Mayonnaise
• Red wine vinegar
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dijon mustard
• Oregano
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped salami, ham, provolone, red onion, banana peppers, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
4. Add the cooled pasta to the meat and veggie mixture.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
7. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Meat options: Swap ham for turkey, or add pepperoni for extra flavor.
• Cheese swap: Use mozzarella, sharp cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
• Pasta choice: Use whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, or tortellini for a unique twist.
• Add veggies: Add cucumbers, roasted red peppers, or olives for more variety.
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the dressing.

Storage/Reheating

Store Italian Grinder Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors will develop even more over time. This dish is served cold, so no reheating is necessary. If the salad becomes dry after storing, stir in a little extra dressing or olive oil before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Just wait to add the lettuce until you’re ready to serve to keep it crisp.

What kind of pasta is best for this salad?

Short pasta like rotini, penne, or farfalle work best because they hold the dressing and ingredients well.

Can I make this salad without mayo?

You can substitute Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette-based dressing if you prefer a lighter version.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can use gluten-free pasta and ensure your deli meats and dressings are gluten-free.

Can I use pre-shredded lettuce?

Yes, bagged shredded lettuce works well and saves time.

How long does this pasta salad last in the fridge?

It will last for 3 to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.

What other meats can I use?

Turkey, roast beef, or even grilled chicken can be used for a different take.

Do I have to include lettuce?

No, but the lettuce adds a fresh crunch that mimics the sandwich experience.

Can I add bread for a full sandwich feel?

Consider serving it with garlic bread or croutons on the side for a complete meal.

What’s the best way to keep the salad from drying out?

Store extra dressing separately and mix it in just before serving to refresh the texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is the ultimate mash-up of deli sandwich and pasta salad. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing at any gathering. With its bold ingredients and creamy dressing, this dish brings something truly unique to the table—every bite tastes like your favorite sub in pasta form.

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad combines the bold, zesty flavors of an Italian sub sandwich with pasta salad for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish. It’s loaded with deli meats, cheese, crisp veggies, and a creamy Italian-style dressing.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes (including chill time)
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or your choice)
• 1 cup salami, sliced or chopped
• 1 cup deli ham, sliced or chopped
• 1 cup provolone cheese, cubed or shredded
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup banana peppers, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup romaine or iceberg lettuce, shredded
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine salami, ham, provolone, red onion, banana peppers, cherry tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth.
4. Add the cooled pasta to the meat and veggie mixture.
5. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until evenly coated.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Wait to add lettuce until just before serving for best texture.
• Customize with additional toppings like olives, cucumbers, or roasted red peppers.
• Use tortellini for a fun twist.
• If salad dries out after chilling, refresh with a splash of olive oil or extra dressing.
• Great for meal prep or potlucks—flavors improve as it sits.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 690mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 40mg