Craving a pasta salad that's both satisfying and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this Creamy Italian Grinder Pasta Salad! This recipe takes the beloved Italian grinder sandwich and transforms it into a refreshing and easy-to-make pasta salad, perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a light yet hearty weeknight dinner. Imagine tender pasta coated in a creamy, tangy dressing, studded with savory salami, pepperoni, olives, and vibrant bell peppers – all the best parts of a grinder, in one delicious bowl. The bold flavors and satisfying textures will quickly make this a family favorite.
This Creamy Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring minimal cooking time and readily available ingredients. Forget bland, boring pasta salads; this recipe is a flavor explosion that will elevate your next gathering. Ready to create this culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and bring this incredible pasta salad to life!
Tools Needed
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Paper towels
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs
Ingredients
- Pennette pasta: 16 oz
- Salt: 1/2 tablespoon
- Red onion: 1/4
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 pint
- Iceberg lettuce: 1/4
- Banana peppers: 1/2 cup
- Black forest ham: 4 oz
- Salami: 4 oz
- Pepperoni: 4 oz
- Provolone cheese: 6 thin slices
- Mayonnaise: 1 cup
- Minced garlic: 1 tablespoon
- Red wine vinegar: 3 tablespoons
- White granulated sugar: 2 teaspoons
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Parmesan cheese: 2-3 oz
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Cook the Pasta and Prep Ingredients
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to flavor the water.
- Add penne pasta and stir for 30 seconds to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Cool the pasta by running cold water over it. Blot with paper towels to remove excess water.
- Chop red onion, cherry tomatoes, and iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop banana peppers.
- Chop ham, salami, and pepperoni into small pieces.
- Slice provolone cheese into thin strips and chop into smaller pieces.
Step 2. Combine Ingredients
- Combine cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, meats, and cheese in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3. Make the Creamy Italian Dressing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.
Step 4. Toss and Serve
- Pour dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Read more: Sicilian Penne with Cauliflower: A Flavorful Mediterranean Dish
Tips
- You can adjust the amount of ingredients to your liking.
- For extra spice, use pepperoncini peppers instead of banana peppers.
- This salad can be made ahead of time and served cold.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! This pasta salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Make it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
2. What kind of pasta works best?
Rotini, penne, or farfalle are all excellent choices. Choose a pasta that holds its shape well and can stand up to the creamy dressing.
This Creamy Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful twist on a classic sandwich. Its vibrant flavors and easy preparation make it perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight meals to festive gatherings. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this delicious and satisfying pasta salad!