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Best Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is a bold, cold pasta salad inspired by the classic Italian sub. Made with penne pasta, ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, crisp lettuce, tomatoes, pepperoncini, and a tangy creamy dressing, it’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, and summer lunches.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 16 ounces penne pasta
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 ounces shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 4 ounces sliced ham
  • 4 ounces pepperoni
  • 4 ounces salami
  • 4 ounces provolone cheese
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
  • 1/2 red onion finely diced

Method
 

  1. Cook penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, garlic, sugar, oregano, salt, pepper, and Parmesan.
  3. Slice ham, pepperoni, salami, and provolone into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In a large bowl, combine pasta, lettuce, meats, cheese, tomatoes, pepperoncini, and red onion.
  5. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
  6. Chill for 30 minutes if desired, then serve cold.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise or use turkey meats. Chill before serving for best flavor.