This Easy Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is a colorful mix of pasta, veggies, and Italian meats. Finished off with tasty Italian dressing, it’s refreshing and satisfying!
This salad is perfect for gatherings, and if you have leftovers, they don’t last long around here! It’s so good that I might eat it directly from the bowl. 😂
I love making this salad because it’s quick to whip up and tastes great chilled. It’s a fantastic side dish or lunch option that fills you up without taking forever to prepare!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This is the base of the salad, and its tubular shape helps hold the dressing. If you don’t have penne, you can use rotini, farfalle, or even elbow macaroni for a different texture!
Salami, Ham, and Pepperoni: These deli meats add great flavor. You can switch them up for turkey, chicken, or even plant-based deli slices for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Lettuce: I prefer crisp iceberg or romaine for crunch. You could use spinach or arugula for a different taste, but keep in mind they might get a bit soggy faster.
Banana Peppers: These provide a nice tang. If you can’t find them, sliced olives or jalapeños can add a different kind of kick.
Mayonnaise: It gives the salad creaminess. You can use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist or vegan mayo if you’re looking for a plant-based option.
How Do I Get the Pasta Salad to Chill Quickly?
Cooling the pasta salad quickly is helpful so you can enjoy it sooner. Here’s what I do:
- After draining the cooked pasta, rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down fast.
- Spread the pasta on a baking sheet in a thin layer instead of leaving it in a bowl. This maximizes surface area for cooling.
- For a quicker chill, place it in the fridge uncovered for about 15 minutes before mixing it with other ingredients.
These steps will ensure your Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is refreshingly cool and ready to eat in no time!
Easy Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 cup chopped salami
- 1 cup chopped ham
- 1 cup chopped pepperoni
- 1 cup chopped lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced banana peppers or pepperoncini
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and at least 1 hour to chill in the fridge. Overall, you’re looking at at least 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to serving, mostly allowing the flavors to blend while it chills.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
First, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This typically takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down completely. This helps prevent it from getting mushy.
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped salami, ham, pepperoni, lettuce, tomatoes, banana peppers, red onion, and shredded mozzarella cheese. This is where the fun begins! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients and add any other favorite veggies or meats.
3. Preparing the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper until it’s well mixed. This dressing is what gives your pasta salad that creamy and zesty flavor.
4. Combining Everything:
Now, pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly so every bit of pasta and veggies are coated evenly with that delicious dressing.
5. Chilling the Salad:
Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together.
6. Serving It Up:
Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss and check the seasoning. You may want to add a little more salt or pepper to taste. Finally, serve your salad chilled! It’s fantastic as a side dish or a light main course.
This creamy and flavorful Italian Grinder Pasta Salad combines the savory meats and fresh vegetables characteristic of an Italian grinder sandwich, making a fun and easy pasta salad twist!
FAQ for Easy Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne pasta works great, you can substitute it with rotini, farfalle, or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to cook it until al dente for the best texture!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give the salad a good toss before serving, as the ingredients may settle or separate.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This pasta salad is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day in advance; just keep it refrigerated. The flavors continue to develop and often taste even better the next day!
What Can I Use Instead of Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream. For a dairy-free alternative, use a vegan mayo or a simple vinaigrette for dressing!
