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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad: Your New Go-To Crowd-Pleaser

Delight in the vibrant flavors of Italian Grinder Pasta Salad, a crowd-pleaser perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Rotini Pasta Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
For the Meats
  • 4 oz Pepperoni Swap with turkey pepperoni for a lighter option.
  • 4 oz Salami Replace with turkey or chicken deli slices for a lighter alternative.
  • 4 oz Ham Omit for a vegetarian variation or substitute with chickpeas for extra protein.
For the Veggies
  • 2 cups Iceberg Lettuce Try romaine or mixed greens for added flavor.
  • 1 cup Red Onions Use shallots for a milder taste.
  • 1 cup Banana Peppers Jalapeños can replace them for a spicier kick.
  • 1 cup Black Olives Green olives can be substituted for a different flavor.
  • 1 cup Tomatoes Opt for cherry tomatoes for a sweeter burst.
For the Cheeses
  • 4 oz Provolone Cheese Try mozzarella for a different twist.
  • 4 oz Parmesan Cheese Feta can be a delightful alternative.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt can lighten it up.
  • 3 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar Apple cider vinegar is a great substitute.
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil Avocado oil offers a unique flavor twist.
  • 2 tbsp Italian Seasoning Feel free to create your own mix with oregano, basil, and thyme.
  • to taste Salt & Black Pepper Adjust to suit your taste preference.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • spatula
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool completely, ensuring nothing clumps together.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta with the pepperoni, salami, ham, iceberg lettuce, red onions, banana peppers, black olives, and tomatoes. As you add each ingredient, take a moment to mix them gently with a spatula or spoon, making sure every vibrant element is evenly distributed.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture, ensuring all the elements are well-coated. Use a spatula to gently toss everything together.
  5. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. After the salad has chilled, give it a gentle toss before serving. Scoop out portions into bowls or onto plates.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

This pasta salad is perfect for potlucks and gatherings, full of vibrant flavors and customizable to fit dietary preferences.

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