why make this recipe
Grinder Pasta Salad is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings. It combines fresh vegetables, savory meats, and creamy dressing to create a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. This salad is colorful, packed with flavor, and can be enjoyed on warm days or as a side dish any time of year.
how to make Grinder Pasta Salad
Ingredients :
- 1 ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup Italian dressing
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves (grated or finely minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 cup cucumbers (diced)
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
- ½ cup pepperoncinis
- 1 cup salami (cut into slices)
- 1 cup pepperoni (cut into slices)
- ½ cup pickles or red onions (cut into thin slices)
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1 cup crisp lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
Directions :
-
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, grated parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until combined. Place this dressing in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
-
Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it in a colander under cold water.
-
Place the pasta into a large bowl. Add the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, pepperoncinis, salami, pepperoni, pickled red onions, and mozzarella pearls to the bowl.
-
Toss everything together with the dressing, add salt and pepper to taste, and chill the salad in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
-
Right before serving, mix in the chopped lettuce and enjoy!
how to serve Grinder Pasta Salad
Serve the Grinder Pasta Salad cold or at room temperature. It can be presented in a large bowl, allowing guests to help themselves, or portioned into individual servings. This salad pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light meal on its own.
how to store Grinder Pasta Salad
To store the Grinder Pasta Salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3-4 days. If you have added lettuce, you may want to store it separately and add it just before serving for the best crunch and freshness.
tips to make Grinder Pasta Salad
- Make the dressing ahead of time and allow it to chill for more flavor.
- Use fresh and seasonal vegetables for a vibrant salad.
- If you prefer, you can swap out the salami and pepperoni for other meats or leave them out for a vegetarian version.
- Adjust the amount of garlic or red pepper flakes if you want more or less heat in the salad.
variation (if any)
You can customize your Grinder Pasta Salad by adding or removing ingredients. For example, try adding black olives, bell peppers, or even different types of cheese like feta or cheddar. You could also use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
FAQs
1. Can I make this pasta salad a day ahead?
Yes, you can make Grinder Pasta Salad a day ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
2. Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is a great choice for this salad, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as farfalle, penne, or fusilli.
3. What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
You can use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo substitute for a lighter or dairy-free option. Adjust the other dressing ingredients to taste for the perfect flavor.
Grinder Pasta Salad
Ingredients
For the dressing
- 1 ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup Italian dressing
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (grated or finely minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Main ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta Cooked to al dente
- 1 cup cucumbers (diced)
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
- ½ cup pepperoncinis
- 1 cup salami (cut into slices)
- 1 cup pepperoni (cut into slices)
- ½ cup pickles or red onions (cut into thin slices)
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1 cup crisp lettuce (romaine or iceberg) Add just before serving
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, grated parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until combined. Place this dressing in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
- Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it in a colander under cold water.
Mixing
- Place the pasta into a large bowl. Add the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, pepperoncinis, salami, pepperoni, pickled red onions, and mozzarella pearls to the bowl.
- Toss everything together with the dressing, add salt and pepper to taste, and chill the salad in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Serving
- Right before serving, mix in the chopped lettuce and enjoy!