Go Back
+ servings
Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Fresh Italian Grinder Pasta Salad to Brighten Your Summer

This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is a quick, flavor-packed dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Refrigeration Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise Consider Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar Swap with white wine vinegar if needed.
  • 1 clove garlic Minced.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano Fresh oregano can replace dried.
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to your liking.
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes Omit for a milder dressing.
Pasta Salad
  • 1 pound campanelle pasta Can substitute with fusilli or penne.
  • 1 cup mozzarella pearls Diced fresh mozzarella is a perfect alternative.
  • 0.5 cup provolone cheese Substitute with Fontina or your favorite cheese.
  • 0.5 cup salami Opt for turkey versions for a lighter salad.
  • 0.5 cup pepperoni Can leave out for a vegetarian twist.
  • 1 cup red onion Soaking in ice water mellows flavor.
  • 0.5 cup pepperoncini Jalapeños or banana peppers work well too.
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce Mix in other leafy greens if desired.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes Halved grape tomatoes can be used.
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil Dried basil can be a quick substitute.
  • 0.25 cup parmesan cheese Try nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.

Equipment

  • medium bowl
  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add campanelle pasta and cook according to package instructions for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. Slice red onion and place in a bowl of ice water for 10-15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, mozzarella pearls, diced provolone, salami, pepperoni, drained red onions, sliced pepperoncini, chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. Toss gently.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and sprinkle with grated parmesan. Toss to coat evenly.
  6. Serve immediately, or chill for up to 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For the best taste, mix the dressing with the salad ingredients no more than 30 minutes before serving.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!