Imagine a mouthwatering dish that combines the bold flavors of an Italian deli sandwich with the refreshing coolness of a pasta salad - that's exactly what you'll discover in this irresistible recipe! Perfect for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or a satisfying meal prep option, this Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is about to become your new obsession. Packed with savory salami, creamy provolone, and zesty Italian dressing, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 1 cup salami, diced
- 1 cup provolone cheese, diced
- 1/2 cup olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 12 oz of pasta, 1 cup of diced salami, 1 cup of diced provolone cheese, 1/2 cup of sliced olives, 1/4 cup of diced red onion, and 1/4 cup of Italian dressing.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Dice the salami and provolone cheese into bite-sized pieces, slice the olives, and finely dice the red onion.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also cool the pasta down for the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced salami, diced provolone cheese, sliced olives, and diced red onion.
- Drizzle the Italian dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.
- Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add more dressing, salt, or pepper according to your preference.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad another good toss. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy your Italian Grinder Pasta Salad!
Tips
- Choose the right pasta: Use short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini or penne that can hold onto the dressing and other ingredients.
- Cook pasta al dente: Ensure your pasta is cooked perfectly - firm to the bite - to prevent a mushy salad.
- Cool pasta completely: Rinse with cold water and let it cool before mixing to prevent the cheese from melting and keep the ingredients crisp.
- Customize your ingredients: Feel free to add additional deli meats like pepperoni or swap cheeses based on your preference.
- Let it marinate: Allowing the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature: This versatile salad is delicious both ways, making it perfect for picnics and potlucks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
