Description
Savor Mediterranean magic with Italian Grinder Pasta Salad, where zesty salami, provolone, and crisp pepperoncini dance together in a flavor-packed ensemble. Hearty pasta mingles with bold Italian deli ingredients, promising you a delightful culinary escape that satisfies summer picnic cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) penne pasta
Proteins and Cheeses:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) pepperoni
- 4 ounces (113 grams) salami
- 4 ounces (113 grams) provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated parmesan cheese
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons (10 grams) minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon (4 grams) sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) black pepper
- 4 ounces (113 grams) shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 pint (285 grams) grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot and cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking process, ensuring pasta remains crisp and cool.
- Create the grinder dressing by whisking mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Slice pepperoni and salami into quarter-inch pieces, creating bite-sized portions that distribute flavor throughout the salad. Cut provolone cheese into thin strips or small cubes for easy mixing.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with shredded iceberg lettuce, prepared meats, provolone cheese, grape tomatoes, pepperoncini, and thinly sliced red onion. Mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure balanced distribution.
- Drizzle prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss using salad tongs or large spoons, ensuring every component is evenly coated. Optional: sprinkle additional parmesan on top for extra richness.
- Serve immediately for optimal freshness, or refrigerate for one hour to allow flavors to meld and intensify. Chilling will enhance the overall taste profile of the Italian grinder pasta salad.
Notes
- Prep Pasta Perfectly by cooking al dente and rinsing with cold water to maintain a crisp texture and prevent overcooking.
- Customize Protein Options by swapping pepperoni and salami with grilled chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for different dietary preferences.
- Enhance Dressing Flexibility by adjusting vinegar and sugar ratios to create a tangier or sweeter profile that suits individual taste preferences.
- Boost Nutritional Value by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or spinach to increase nutrient content and provide more crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg