Print

Easy Crowd-Pleasing Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe with Italian Dressing for Parties

grinder pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple and satisfying pasta salad inspired by classic grinder sandwiches, featuring deli meats, fresh veggies, and tangy Italian dressing. Perfect for parties and potlucks, ready in about 20 minutes and best served chilled.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or other bite-sized pasta
  • 1 cup chopped Genoa salami
  • 1 cup chopped ham
  • 1 cup cubed provolone or mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • ½ cup finely chopped red onion
  • ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • ½ cup diced green bell pepper
  • ¾ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain completely for about 5 minutes.
  2. While pasta cooks, chop 1 cup each of Genoa salami and ham into bite-sized pieces. Cube 1 cup of provolone or mozzarella cheese. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 cup cucumber, finely chop ½ cup red onion, slice ½ cup black olives, and dice ½ cup green bell pepper. Chop herbs to release flavor.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped meats, cheese, and all vegetables. Pour ¾ cup Italian dressing over the mixture. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, toss the salad gently to coat every piece without crushing the veggies or cheese. The pasta should glisten lightly with dressing.
  5. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 or more, to allow flavors to meld. Stir once halfway through chilling to redistribute the dressing.
  6. Just before serving, toss gently again and sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil for color and freshness.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Chop ingredients uniformly for balanced bites. Use a vibrant Italian dressing for best flavor. Chill salad for at least 1 hour to meld flavors. Adjust salt carefully due to salty deli meats and cheese. Add extra dressing before serving if salad seems dry. Salad holds well for up to 2 days refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, grinder pasta salad, Italian dressing, potluck recipe, party salad, deli meat salad, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/easy-crowd-pleasing-grinder-pasta-salad-recipe-with-italian-dressing-for-parties/