Description
A delicious and hearty Italian Grinder Pasta Salad combining penne pasta, assorted deli meats, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful homemade dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 ounces penne pasta
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salad Ingredients
- 4 ounces shredded iceberg lettuce (about 2–3 cups)
- 4 ounces ham
- 4 ounces pepperoni
- 4 ounces salami
- 4 ounces provolone cheese
- 1 pint grape tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 1/2 red onion (finely diced)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta, then drain again thoroughly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, sugar, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined. Set the dressing aside.
- Slice Meat and Cheese: Slice ham, pepperoni, and salami into 1/4 inch thick pieces. Cut provolone cheese into thin slices or small cubes to ensure easy mixing and eating.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add cooked pasta, shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced meats, provolone cheese, halved grape tomatoes, sliced pepperoncini peppers, and finely diced red onion.
- Mix with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the combined salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Notes
- For best results, chill the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoncini peppers to taste for desired heat and tanginess.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for a more vibrant flavor in the dressing.
- This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to substitute or add other Italian deli meats like capicola or mortadella.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Italian Grinder Pasta Salad, pasta salad, Italian deli meat salad, penne pasta salad, picnic recipes, easy pasta salad
