Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
Think you love Italian Grinder sandwiches? Think again—because this pasta salad version is about to ruin regular sandwiches for you. No more soggy bread, no more fillings slipping out with every bite. Just pure, flavor-packed perfection in every forkful. It’s loaded with all the best parts—salami, ham, mozzarella, pickled onions, and a dressing so good you’ll want to drink it. Plus, since it technically has lettuce, you can convince yourself it’s a “salad.” You're welcome.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Large pot
- Colander
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Large bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 ⅓ cups mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon peperoncini pepper juice from the jar
- All the marinade oil from 2 containers of marinated mozzarella balls
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 16 ounces marinated mozzarella balls cut into quarters
- ½ cup sliced peperoncini peppers
- 10 ounces cherry tomatoes cut in half
- 1 cup pickled red onion
- 10 slices Genoa salami cut into chunks
- 8 slices deli ham cut into chunks
- 20 slices pepperoni cut into quarters
- ½ head lettuce shredded
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let cool.1 pound rotini pasta
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, peperoncini juice, marinade oil from the mozzarella balls, black pepper, salt, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) until smooth.1 ⅓ cups mayonnaise, ⅓ cup red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon peperoncini pepper juice, All the marinade oil from 2 containers of marinated mozzarella balls, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the mozzarella balls into quarters, slice the peperoncini peppers, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the pickled red onion, and cut the deli meats into bite-sized pieces.16 ounces marinated mozzarella balls, ½ cup sliced peperoncini peppers, 10 ounces cherry tomatoes, 1 cup pickled red onion, 10 slices Genoa salami, 8 slices deli ham
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, mozzarella, peperoncini, cherry tomatoes, pickled red onion, salami, ham, and pepperoni.20 slices pepperoni
- Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill the Salad: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend.
- Add the Lettuce: Just before serving, gently stir in the shredded lettuce to keep it fresh and crisp.½ head lettuce
- Serve and Enjoy: Dish up and enjoy a flavorful, Italian-inspired pasta salad!
