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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad: A Flavor-Packed Picnic Delight

Experience a delightful blend of flavors in this Italian Grinder Pasta Salad, perfect for picnics and gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Rotini or Cavatappi Pasta Cooked al dente
For the Dressing
  • ½ cup Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt Creamy base
  • 2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar Can substitute with apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Fresh herbs can be used
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Or use fresh minced garlic
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
For the Salad
  • 1 cup Turkey Pepperoni Or favorite deli meats
  • 1 cup Provolone Cheese Can substitute with mozzarella or feta
  • ½ cup Diced Red Onion Can substitute with green onions
  • 1 cup Halved Cherry Tomatoes Or diced bell peppers/olives
  • 1 cup Diced Bell Peppers Any variety or use cucumbers
  • 2 cups Shredded Iceberg Lettuce Add just before serving for freshness

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • medium bowl
  • large mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • Plastic wrap or lid

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) and balsamic vinegar until smooth. Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt & black pepper. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add the chilled pasta, diced provolone cheese, turkey pepperoni, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell peppers. Gently stir together.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2 to 6 hours to let flavors meld.
  5. Before serving, remove from the refrigerator and fold in shredded iceberg lettuce. Add more dressing if necessary to achieve desired consistency.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For best results, rinse pasta thoroughly and add crispy ingredients just before serving.

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