Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
A delightful pasta salad that captures the flavors of Italian sub sandwiches with a crunchy texture and creamy dressing, perfect for picnics and family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta These shapes hold onto the dressing beautifully
- 5 oz salami, finely chopped
- 5 oz ham, diced Look for high-quality deli ham
- 5 oz pepperoni, sliced Spicy or mild, as preferred
- 6 oz provolone cheese, diced Aged provolone has better flavor
- 1-2 cups tomatoes, halved Cherry or grape tomatoes lend a burst of sweetness
- 1 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced For great tang and heat
For the Creamy Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise Use full-fat for creaminess
- ⅓ cup Italian dressing Homemade is great if you have the time
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning Or fresh herbs if you prefer
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water until pasta is cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with chopped salami, diced ham, pepperoni, diced provolone cheese, halved tomatoes, and sliced pepperoncini peppers.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Italian dressing, and Italian seasoning until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make ahead for better flavor development. Avoid overcooking the pasta and rinsing it with hot water.