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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Italian grinder pasta salad with rotini, Italian deli meats, provolone, banana peppers, and a tangy Italian dressing. Tossed cold and chilled for flavors to meld, then finished with crunchy shredded lettuce for hoagie-style bite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
chilling 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Italian grinder pasta salad ingredients
  • 1 lb rotini pasta
  • 8 oz salami sliced and quartered
  • 8 oz pepperoni quartered
  • 8 oz ham diced
  • 8 oz provolone cheese cubed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup banana peppers sliced
  • 0.5 cup red onion diced
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1 cup Italian dressing
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Cook and cool the pasta
  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions, then drain it and rinse with cold water until cool to the touch.
  2. Spread the drained pasta on a sheet pan to help it cool down evenly before mixing.
Assemble the salad base
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, salami, pepperoni, ham, provolone cheese, cherry tomatoes, banana peppers, and red onion.
  2. Add Italian dressing, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, then toss until everything is coated and glossy.
Chill to meld flavors
  1. Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 2 hours so the flavors meld.
Finish and serve
  1. Just before serving, add the shredded iceberg lettuce and toss until evenly distributed with a fresh crunch.
  2. Taste and adjust Italian dressing if needed, then serve immediately.

Notes

For best texture, rinse the pasta with cold water and fully cool before mixing, so the deli meats stay distinct. Refrigerate covered up to 3 days; add lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp. Freezing is not recommended. For a lower-sodium option, choose low-sodium salami, low-sodium pepperoni, and reduced-sodium Italian dressing.