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Flavorful Grinder Pasta Salad with Zesty Italian Dressing

Flavorful Grinder Pasta Salad - featured image
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A vibrant and hearty pasta salad featuring classic grinder meats, fresh veggies, and a tangy homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 6 ounces sliced salami
  • 6 ounces sliced capicola
  • 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup diced cucumber, peeled if preferred
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package directions, about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking. Set aside to drain fully.
  2. While pasta cooks, whisk together 1/3 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (if using), 1 teaspoon honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl or shake vigorously in a jar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. On a cutting board, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 cup cucumber, thinly slice 1/2 cup red onion, dice 1/2 cup green bell pepper, and slice 1/4 cup black olives if using. Chop 1/4 cup parsley finely.
  4. Cut 6 ounces salami and 6 ounces capicola into bite-sized pieces. Shred or dice 1 cup provolone or mozzarella cheese.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, meats, and cheese. Pour the zesty Italian dressing over the top.
  6. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat evenly with dressing. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld. If short on time, 30 minutes works too, but longer is better.
  7. Before serving, toss again and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or an extra splash of vinegar if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to stop cooking and prevent clumping. Dressing mellows after chilling; adjust seasoning before serving. Use twisted pasta shapes like rotini or penne for best texture. Can substitute meats and cheese for dietary preferences. Salad tastes better after resting at least 1 hour or overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, grinder meats, Italian dressing, zesty, easy pasta salad, potluck recipe, picnic food, rotini pasta, penne pasta

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/flavorful-grinder-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-zesty-italian-dressing-guide/