Hey there, pasta lovers! With summer in full swing, it’s time to embrace light and refreshing meals that are still satisfying and packed with flavor. And what better way to do that than with an Italian Grinder Pasta Salad? Bursting with Italian flavors and filled with hearty ingredients, this pasta salad recipe is the perfect addition to your summer menu.
Let’s jump right into the recipe, shall we?
First, gather all your ingredients. You’ll need 8 oz of cooked pasta of your choice. Fusilli, rotini, or penne work great for this dish. Next, grab 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved, and half of a red onion, thinly sliced. For that classic sandwich feel, you’ll need 4 oz of salami, provolone, and ham, all chopped. Add a kick of flavor with some sliced peperoncini and sweet pickled peppers.
Now, let’s move on to the dressing. In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of mayo, 1 to 2 tbsp of pepperoncini brine or red wine vinegar, 1 grated clove of garlic, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk it all together until well combined and set it aside.
In a large salad bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, red onion, salami, provolone, ham, peperoncini, and pickled peppers. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and give it a good mix, ensuring everything is well coated.
To add a refreshing crunch, chop up half a head of iceberg lettuce and add it to the pasta salad. Finally, sprinkle 2 to 3 tbsp of fresh chopped oregano or parsley on top for an extra burst of flavor.
And there you have it – the Italian Grinder Pasta Salad! This summer salad is not only filling and delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or even as a main course for a light dinner. The combination of flavors from the salty salami and cheeses, the tanginess of the tomatoes, and the vibrant crunch of the lettuce creates a symphony of tastes in every bite.
So, if you’re looking for a summer salad that checks all the boxes – refreshing, filling, and delicious – this Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is the one for you. It’s a crowd-pleaser and will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whip it up, pack a picnic basket, and head out to enjoy those warm summer days. Buon appetito!