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Flavorful Grinder Sandwich Pasta Salad Recipe Easy and Perfect for Summer

Flavorful Grinder Sandwich Pasta Salad - featured image

A quick and easy pasta salad inspired by classic Italian grinder sandwiches, featuring salami, provolone, fresh vegetables, and a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a refreshing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 g) rotini or penne pasta, cooked al dente
  • 6 ounces (170 g) Genoa salami, sliced thin and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 ounces (170 g) provolone cheese, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ small red onion, finely diced
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced
  • ½ cup (75 g) Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) Italian dressing, homemade or store-bought
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 g) of rotini or penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Set aside to drain completely (5-10 minutes).
  3. While the pasta cooks, slice 6 ounces (170 g) of Genoa salami into bite-sized pieces. Shred or dice 6 ounces (170 g) of provolone cheese.
  4. Halve 1 cup (150 g) of cherry tomatoes, finely dice ½ small red onion, dice 1 small green bell pepper, and slice ½ cup (75 g) pitted Kalamata olives. Chop 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley finely.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, salami, provolone, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, olives, and parsley.
  6. Pour in ¾ cup (180 ml) of Italian dressing and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, keeping in mind salami and olives add saltiness.
  8. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld.
  9. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding extra dressing or fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to prevent sogginess. Be cautious with salt since salami and olives add saltiness. Chill the salad for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use vegan cheese alternatives. Dressing can be homemade or store-bought like Brianna’s Italian dressing.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, Italian pasta salad, salami pasta salad, provolone pasta salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad, deli style pasta salad, make ahead pasta salad