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This hearty Grinder Pasta Salad transforms the viral TikTok sandwich into a crowd-pleasing pasta dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or weeknight dinners. The combination of classic Italian sub ingredients with a creamy, tangy dressing creates a meal that satisfies both pasta and sandwich lovers alike.
I first made this pasta salad for a neighborhood block party last summer, and it disappeared faster than any other dish on the table. My neighbor even asked for the recipe before she left, claiming it tasted exactly like her favorite Italian sub but in pasta form.
Ingredients
- Rotini pasta: Curly shape holds dressing beautifully and gives perfect texture in every bite
- Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the dressing look for real mayo not sandwich spread
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth choose freshly grated for best flavor
- Olive oil: Smooths out the dressing select extra virgin for more pronounced flavor
- Balsamic vinegar: Brings acidity and sweetness to balance the richness
- Italian seasoning: Provides classic herb flavor in one convenient blend
- Mustard: Works as an emulsifier while adding subtle tanginess
- Iceberg lettuce: Supplies that essential fresh crunch
- Mozzarella pearls: Offer creamy pockets of mild cheese throughout the salad
- Deli meats: Pepperoni, ham, salami bring authentic Italian sub flavors
- Provolone: Adds another layer of cheese flavor with more complexity than mozzarella alone
- Cherry tomatoes: Provide juicy bursts of freshness halve them for best distribution
- Red onion: Delivers sharp bite and beautiful color choose a firm medium onion
- Pepperoncini peppers: Add mild heat and tangy flavor that makes this salad special
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the rotini in well-salted water until just al dente about 8 minutes. For the perfect pasta salad texture drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. The cold rinse also prevents the pasta from sticking together while you prepare the other ingredients. Allow pasta to drain thoroughly while preparing other components.
- Make the Dressing:
- Combine mayonnaise, Parmesan, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, and mustard in a medium bowl. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and creamy with no visible streaks of mayo remaining. This dressing should have a pourable consistency that will coat all ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper start conservatively as the meats and cheese will add saltiness.
- Prepare the Add-ins:
- Finely shred the iceberg lettuce into thin strips to mimic the texture of lettuce on a sandwich. Quarter or halve the salami and pepperoni slices for bite-sized pieces that distribute throughout the salad. Chop ham and provolone into small pieces roughly half inch squares. Slice pepperoncini thinly and dice red onion into small pieces for even distribution of flavor.
- Combine and Toss:
- Add pasta to a large serving bowl then layer in all remaining ingredients lettuce, meats, cheeses, vegetables. Pour the prepared dressing over everything and gently fold with two large spoons or spatulas. Take care not to break the pasta but ensure everything gets evenly coated with dressing. Continue folding until no dry spots remain.
- Chill the Salad:
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours preferably 4 hours or overnight. This resting time allows flavors to meld and intensify creating a more cohesive dish. The pasta will also absorb some of the dressing making each bite more flavorful.
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My family particularly loves this recipe during hot summer months when turning on the oven feels unbearable. The pepperoncini peppers are my personal favorite ingredient they add just the right amount of tangy heat without overwhelming the other flavors. My husband always picks out extra peppers from the jar to add to his portion.
Storage Tips
This pasta salad keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually continue to develop and improve after the first day making it an excellent meal prep option. If you notice the salad becoming dry after storage stir in a tablespoon of olive oil and a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar to refresh it. The lettuce may soften slightly but will still provide textural contrast to the pasta.
Ingredient Substitutions
This recipe welcomes adaptations based on preference or what you have available. Try bow tie or penne pasta instead of rotini. Greek yogurt can replace half the mayonnaise for a tangier lighter dressing. For a Mediterranean twist add chopped artichoke hearts, olives, and feta cheese instead of some of the Italian meats and cheeses. Veggie lovers can boost nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, cucumber, or shredded carrots.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty pasta salad with warm garlic bread for a complete meal. For a beautiful presentation place the pasta salad in a large bowl lined with whole romaine lettuce leaves and garnish with additional pepperoncini and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. This dish pairs wonderfully with a light soup like Italian wedding or minestrone for a satisfying lunch. For summer gatherings serve alongside grilled chicken or as part of a potluck spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is a Grinder Pasta Salad?
It's a pasta salad inspired by the flavors of a grinder sandwich, combining Italian meats, cheeses, and a creamy dressing.
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it a day in advance and let it chill for better melding of flavors.
- → What kind of pasta should I use?
Rotini pasta works best due to its texture, but you can use any short pasta shape.
- → Can I customize the ingredients?
Absolutely! Use your favorite cold cuts, cheeses, or add more veggies for a personalized touch.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.