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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad: The Best Easy Recipe

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A refreshing and hearty pasta salad inspired by the classic Italian grinder sandwich, featuring rotini, savory salami, provolone cheese, and fresh vegetables tossed in a zesty herb dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (red or yellow)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/2 cup salami, diced
  • 1/2 cup provolone cheese, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in generously salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process; let cool completely.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, salami, provolone cheese, and fresh basil.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until well coated.
  5. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top and give it one last gentle toss. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, make the salad a few hours in advance.
  • Feel free to customize with additional meats like pepperoni or ham.
  • Make sure the pasta is completely cooled before adding the dressing to prevent it from soaking in too quickly.
  • If the salad seems dry after chilling, add an extra splash of Italian dressing before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian Grinder Pasta Salad, Easy Pasta Salad Recipe, Summer Side Dish, Potluck Recipes

Find it online: https://www.mealsmell.com/italian-grinder-pasta-salad-easy-recipe/