Italian Grinder Pasta Salad (Creamy, Zesty, Addictive)

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Chill Time: 20 minutes

Serves: 6–8

Creamy grinder pasta salad with rotini, deli meats, provolone, mozzarella, tomatoes, lettuce, banana peppers, olives, and tangy grinder dressing.

Ingredients

Pasta Salad:

• 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta (cooked + cooled)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

• ½ cup sliced red onion

• ½ cup banana peppers, sliced

• ½ cup black olives (optional)

• ½ cup diced provolone cheese

• ½ cup diced mozzarella (or use all provolone)

Meat (Grinder Style):

• ½ cup sliced salami, chopped

• ½ cup sliced pepperoni, chopped

• ½ cup deli ham or turkey, chopped

Creamy Grinder Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper

• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool completely.

2. In a large bowl, combine:

   • Pasta

   • Tomatoes

   • Onion

   • Banana peppers

   • Olives

   • Cheese

   • Chopped meats

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy.

4. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss until everything is fully coated.

5. Gently fold in shredded lettuce (this gives it that TRUE grinder texture).

6. Chill for 20–30 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips

• Add lettuce RIGHT before serving for best crunch

• Use a mix of meats = more flavor (don’t skip this)

• Letting it chill = flavor gets WAY better

• Want it lighter? Sub half mayo with Greek yogurt