Grinder Pasta Salad is a delightful and hearty dish that brings together the strong flavors of your favorite sandwich with the refreshing taste of pasta salad. This colorful recipe combines perfectly cooked pasta with fresh vegetables, meats, and cheeses, all tossed in a tangy dressing for a delicious treat.
To create this delicious salad, mix your pasta with a blend of ingredients like crunchy bell peppers, savory pepperoni, and a zesty Italian dressing. The result is a fun and flavorful salad that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a quick and tasty lunch, Grinder Pasta Salad is easy to make and offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Each bite delivers nutrients and goodness, providing a unique twist on traditional pasta salad. Taste the simplicity of Grinder Pasta Salad and add a new favorite to your recipe collection.
Grinder Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Dressing
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- â…“ cup Italian dressing
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves grated or finely minced
Salad
- 1 cup crisp lettuce
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1 cup cucumbers diced
- ½ cup pickles red onions or red onions cut into thin slices
- 1 cup pepperoni cut into slices
- 1½ cup cherry tomatoes cut in half
- 1 cup salami cut into slices
- ½ cup pepperoncinis
Instructions
- Combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly before refrigerating until needed.
- Cook the pasta until just tender, drain, and rinse under cold water.
- Transfer to a large bowl and add cucumbers, tomatoes, pepperoncini, salami, pepperoni, pickled red onions, and mozzarella.
- Toss with the prepared dressing, season with salt and pepper, and chill until serving.
- Just before serving, mix in chopped lettuce and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Protein | 13 g |
| Vitamin A | 240 IU |
| Vitamin C | 9 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Calcium | 129 mg |
How Long Is Pasta Salad Good For?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, pasta salad remains fresh for 3-5 days.
How Can You Maintain The Tenderness Of Pasta Salad?
For a softer pasta salad, cook the pasta just beyond al dente. Giving it an extra minute or two of cooking time ensures it stays soft as it cools.
Is Pasta Salad Enjoyable The Next Day?
Absolutely! While it’s delicious right after making it, letting it chill in the fridge for 8 to 12 hours allows the flavors to meld together even more, enhancing its taste.