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Creamy Grinder Pasta Salad

Creamy Grinder Pasta Salad: Your New Go-To Summer Delight

Creamy Grinder Pasta Salad is a customizable and crowd-pleasing summer side dish that combines pasta, meats, and fresh vegetables.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Rotini Pasta any short pasta can be substituted
For the Meats
  • 1 cup Oven Roasted Turkey can be swapped with chicken or omitted for a vegetarian option
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoni use turkey pepperoni or omit for a healthier choice
  • 1/2 cup Salami swap with prosciutto for a delightful twist
For the Cheeses
  • 1 cup Provolone Cheese mozzarella can serve as a milder alternative
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese pecorino Romano is a great substitute
For the Vegetables
  • 2 cups Iceberg Lettuce substitute with romaine or spinach for added nutrients
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes regular diced tomatoes can work in a pinch
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoncinis banana peppers can be used for a milder flavor
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion green onions help achieve a less intense flavor
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt can lighten this dressing up
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar apple cider vinegar can be substituted
  • 1 tbsp Pepperoncini Juice lemon juice can be a refreshing replacement
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano Italian seasoning can work instead
  • 2 cloves Garlic garlic powder is a quick alternative
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Equipment

  • medium bowl
  • large pot
  • colander
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Grinder Pasta Salad
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini juice, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Let the dressing chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook for 9-10 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold running water.
  3. While the pasta cools, prep the ingredients: chop the oven-roasted turkey, slice the pepperoni and salami, shred the iceberg lettuce, and slice the cherry tomatoes, pepperoncinis, and red onion.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, prepared meats, crunchy lettuce, sweet cherry tomatoes, zesty pepperoncinis, and sliced red onion. Toss gently to combine.
  5. Pour the chilled dressing over the combined ingredients and gently toss again to ensure an even coating.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Customize meats and vegetables based on availability for flexibility in this recipe.

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