Why Make This Recipe
Grinder Pasta Salad is a great choice for a quick, delicious meal. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days. The mix of fresh veggies, tasty deli meats, and flavorful cheese creates a colorful and satisfying dish. Plus, it’s excellent for gatherings, picnics, or meal prep for the week!
How to Make Grinder Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- Pasta (short shapes like rotini or penne)
- Deli meats (such as salami, ham, and turkey)
- Provolone cheese, diced
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumbers, diced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Bell peppers, diced
- Black olives, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, deli meats, provolone cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, bell peppers, and black olives.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld.
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve Grinder Pasta Salad
Grinder Pasta Salad is best served cold or at room temperature. It makes a wonderful side dish for barbecues, picnics, or potlucks. You can also enjoy it as a light main dish during lunch or dinner. For added flavor, try serving it with crusty bread on the side.
How to Store Grinder Pasta Salad
To store leftover Grinder Pasta Salad, place it in an airtight container. It can stay in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad seems dry after being in the fridge, you can add a little more olive oil or vinegar to refresh it.
Tips to Make Grinder Pasta Salad
- Use your favorite short pasta shape to add a fun twist.
- Customize the veggies based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
- Make sure to let the salad chill in the fridge for at least an hour; this helps the flavors mix together nicely.
- For extra crunch, consider adding nuts or seeds.
Variation
You can also add different ingredients like grilled chicken, artichoke hearts, or avocado for a unique twist. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the deli meats and add more veggies or chickpeas for protein.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! You can substitute provolone with mozzarella, feta, or any cheese you prefer.
How long can I keep the pasta salad in the fridge?
Grinder Pasta Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Absolutely! It makes a great meal prep dish because it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a while, allowing the flavors to develop.
Grinder Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Pasta and Veggies
- 8 ounces Pasta (short shapes like rotini or penne)
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup Cucumbers, diced
- 1 medium Red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup Black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
Deli Meats and Cheese
- 1 cup Deli meats (such as salami, ham, and turkey)
- 1 cup Provolone cheese, diced
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Olive oil
- 1/4 cup Red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, deli meats, provolone cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, bell peppers, and black olives.
Dressing
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
Serving
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld.
- Serve cold or at room temperature.