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Flavorful Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Italian Meats and Peppers

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A quick and easy pasta salad that captures the flavors of an Italian grinder sandwich with rotini pasta, Italian meats, peppers, and a tangy herb-packed dressing. Perfect for lunches, potlucks, or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini pasta
  • 4 ounces sliced salami, chopped
  • 4 ounces sliced pepperoni, chopped
  • 4 ounces sliced capicola or ham, chopped
  • 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
  • 1 cup banana peppers, sliced
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. While the pasta cooks, chop 4 ounces each of salami, pepperoni, and capicola or ham into bite-sized pieces. Slice 1 cup roasted red peppers and 1 cup banana peppers into thin strips. Dice 1/2 cup celery and, if using, 1/2 cup red onion. Add all these to the bowl with the pasta.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Add 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil. Toss gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent sogginess. Use quality Italian meats for best flavor. Mustard in dressing helps emulsify and coat ingredients evenly. Chill salad at least 1 hour for best flavor. Can be made gluten-free with gluten-free pasta and dairy-free by omitting or substituting cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, Italian meats, peppers, rotini, Italian dressing, easy pasta salad, potluck recipe, deli style salad

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/flavorful-grinder-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-italian-meats-and-peppers/