Description
Inspired by the viral grinder sandwich, this grinder pasta salad combines Italian deli meats, mozzarella, pepperoncini, and creamy dressing in one irresistible cold pasta dish perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
1/2 lb pasta (rotini or penne)
1 cup mozzarella pearls or mozzarella balls
8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
3/4 cup sliced pepperoncinis
2 dill pickles, diced
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
3–4 oz deli sliced pepperoni, cut into strips
3–4 oz deli sliced salami, cut into strips
1/2 small head iceberg lettuce, shredded
For the Grinder Dressing:
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
Splash of pepperoncini juice
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp dried basil
Fresh black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the pasta until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
In a large bowl, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, pepperoncinis, pickles, red onion, pepperoni, salami, and mozzarella.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayo, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini juice, oregano, basil, and black pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
Cover and chill for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
Just before serving, gently fold in the shredded iceberg lettuce for crunch.
Taste, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve cold.
Notes
Always add lettuce just before serving to preserve crunch.
Double the pepperoncini juice for an extra tangy flavor.
Tortellini or gluten-free pasta make great variations.
Store up to 24 hours with lettuce and dressing separated for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Pasta Salad
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: grinder pasta salad, Italian sub pasta salad, grinder tortellini pasta salad, pepperoncini pasta salad, grinder pasta salad recipe, summer pasta salad, cold pasta salad with deli meats, viral pasta salad TikTok