Description
This grinder pasta salad is inspired by the iconic Italian sandwich, combining salty meat, cheese, and an acidic slaw into a truly addictive and must-make pasta salad perfect for summer.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb pasta
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls or mozzarella balls
- 8 oz cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 3/4 cup sliced pepperoncinis
- 2 dill pickles, diced
- 1/2 small red onion, sliced thin
- 3–4 oz deli sliced pepperoni, sliced into strips
- 3–4 oz deli sliced salami, sliced into strips
- 1/2 small head of iceberg lettuce, sliced thin
- Grinder Dressing:
- 3/4 cup mayo
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- splash of pepperoncini juice
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp dried basil
- black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions in salty water. When al dente, drain and rinse under cold water.
2. While the pasta is cooking, combine mayo, red wine vinegar, dried basil, and dried oregano. Add a splash of the pepperoncini juice and a few cracks of fresh black pepper. Mix to combine. Add more pepperoncini juice if needed.
3. To a large bowl add the cooked and cooled pasta, mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes, sliced pepperoncinis, pickles, sliced deli meats, red onion, and thinly sliced lettuce.
4. Dress with as much or as little of the dressing as desired and mix to coat.
5. Serve immediately or place in an airtight container in the fridge for later.
Notes
You can prep this salad a few hours ahead—just add the lettuce right before serving to keep it crisp. Feel free to adjust the deli meats or cheese to your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg