why make this recipe
This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a quick meal at home. It’s easy to make, colorful, and packed with flavors that everyone will love. Plus, you can customize it to suit your taste!
how to make Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
Ingredients :
- 8 ounces pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
- 4 ounces salami, diced
- 4 ounces pepperoni, sliced
- 1 cup provolone cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup banana peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, banana peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and olives.
- Drizzle with Italian dressing and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
how to serve Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
Serve this pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes a great side dish or a filling main dish. You can also add some breadsticks or garlic bread for a complete meal.
how to store Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to blend and get even tastier as it sits!
tips to make Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
- Make sure to let the pasta cool before mixing it with the other ingredients. This helps prevent the cheese and meats from getting too warm.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch and color.
- For a bit of spice, add some red pepper flakes or a spicy Italian dressing.
variation
You can easily substitute the meats or cheese based on what you have. Try using turkey or ham instead of salami and pepperoni, and swap mozzarella for provolone if you prefer!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like! Rotini and penne work great, but you can also try fusilli, farfalle, or even macaroni.
2. Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Absolutely! Just omit the meats and add more vegetables or chickpeas for protein.
3. How long does it take to make this pasta salad?
It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and then an hour to chill in the refrigerator for the best flavor.