Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe

Enjoy the flavors of a classic grinder sandwich mixed with a delicious al dente pasta salad. With crispy lettuce and delicious cuts of salami, turkey, and capicola all tied together with the creamy parmesan dressing. This is the perfect pasta salad dish for serving to a crowd!

What Is A Grinder?

A grinder is a popular sub sandwich whose recipe went viral on social media and has been a huge hit ever since!

The grinder sandwich was first hailed from the New England area of the United States. It was said that the bread that this typical Italian sub was built on was so dense and hard to bite through that it would make you “grind” your teeth (getting the grinder name).

They are generally packed with lots of meat, cheese, sliced tomato, and a tangy salad mix topped on a long crusted bread roll. This grinder pasta salad is inspired off of the famous sandwich, featuring lots of meat, cheese, tomatoes and romaine lettuce for that perfect crunch!

Why This Recipe Works

Classic Grinder Flavors: This grinder pasta salad recipe takes all the delicious elements of a classic Italian grinder sandwich—think salami, turkey, provolone, and pepperoncini—and combines them with al dente pasta for a refreshing, yet hearty, salad. The flavors meld together beautifully, offering a balance of tangy, savory, and creamy in every bite.

Perfectly Shareable: It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a make-ahead meal for busy weekdays! There is so much to love about this grinder pasta salad recipe, from the combination of flavors to how easy it is to make! The next time you need to feed a crowd, definitely try this grinder-inspired pasta salad recipe.

Supplies Needed

• Large Pot
• Small Mixing Bowl
• Serving Bowl

Ingredients

For The Pasta Salad:

• Pasta: I used campanelle pasta, but you can use your favorite short pasta for this pasta salad! Anything from penne to bowtie to elbow pasta would work well.
• Deli Meats: I opted for a combination of deli turkey, salami, and pepperoni in this salad. You can use any of your favorite Italian-style deli meats!
• Provolone Cheese: Shredded provolone cheese adds a creamy texture into every bite.
• Romaine Lettuce: Chopped romaine lettuce is a quintessential component of the grinder sandwich, so of course I had to add it in here! It adds the perfect crunch!
• Red Onion: Dice the red onion into little bites, so that you get that perfect crunch.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Cut into halves for the a burst of tomato in each bite!
• Pepperoncini Peppers: Diced up pepperoncini peppers lend that classic tangy flavor.

For The Dressing:

• Mayo: You can use regular or low fat mayonnaise.
• Olive Oil: Some olive oil will balance out the tangy flavor of the red wine vinegar.
• Red Wine Vinegar: This is another quintessential component to the grinder sandwich, and cannot be omitted!
• Parmesan Cheese: The salt in this dressing comes in the form of parmesan cheese.
• Italian Seasoning: To season the dressing to perfection!
• Black Pepper: To taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For just a little kick!

How To Make A Grinder Pasta Salad

Homemade Dressing:

1. Make the Dressing: Combine all the dressing ingredients into a bowl and whisk well until combined. Taste test and adjust seasonings as needed and set aside.

Assembling The Pasta Salad:

1. Boil the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package directions. Once cooked, drain well in a colander and then rinse with cold water. Let it sit to strain any excess water.
2. Combine Pasta Salad Ingredients: Combine the cooled, cooked pasta in a large bowl with the diced turkey, salami, pepperoni, provolone, shredded lettuce, diced onion, pepperonici peppers and tomato halves. Mix well.
3. Add Dressing: Pour the dressing over the top and toss very well until combined.
4. Serve & Enjoy: Serve immediately or store in the fridge. This pasta salad will only taste better with time but is best when eaten within 4-5 days.

How to Serve Grinder Pasta Salad

As a Main Dish: This pasta salad is hearty enough to be the star of the meal! Serve it with some crusty bread on the side for a full meal.

At a Picnic or BBQ: Grinder pasta salad is perfect for outdoor gatherings. It’s easy to transport, and it holds up well, making it perfect for get togethers. Pair it with grilled meats such as smoked chicken legs, BBQ pulled pork hot dogs, or some pull apart sliders. Plus, it is a definite crowd pleaser!

With Soup or Sandwiches: For a lighter meal, serve the pasta salad alongside a cup of soup or a simple sandwich. It adds a flavorful, filling component to a more casual meal.

Expert Cooking Tips

• Use quality meats and cheese! The flavors of this salad depend heavily on the quality of the ingredients. Opt for deli-fresh meats and provolone for the best taste.
• Cook the pasta al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in a pasta salad. Cook it just until it’s firm to the bite so it holds up well when mixed with the dressing and other ingredients!
• Don’t skimp on the dressing! Not only is the dressing here important for the classic grinder flavor, but pasta tends to soak up dressing! So make sure you coat everything generously. You can always add more if needed after the salad has chilled!

More Recipes To Try

• California Cobb Pasta Salad
• Homemade Portillos Chopped Salad
• Grilled Elote Pasta Salad
• Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad
• Chicken Caesar Garlic Bread