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Grinder Sandwich Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.2 from 73 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 42 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Grinder Sandwich Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that captures the savory essence of an Italian grinder sandwich in a creamy, tangy pasta salad. Featuring bow tie pasta mixed with provolone, Parmesan, smoked turkey, beef salami, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful homemade dressing, this salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and easy lunches. Its combination of fresh ingredients and classic Italian seasoning provides a refreshing yet satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and customize.

Ingredients

Pasta and Cheeses

  • 12 oz bow tie pasta, cooked
  • 1/2 cup provolone, cubed
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan, cubed

Meats

  • 1/3 cup smoked turkey, sliced
  • 1/3 cup beef salami, cubed or sliced

Vegetables

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumbers, cubed
  • 1/3 cup banana peppers, chopped
  • 1/3 cup peppadew peppers, halved

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool to room temperature to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
  2. Prepare the cheese and meats: Cube the provolone and Parmesan cheeses. Slice the smoked turkey thinly and cut the beef salami into small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
  3. Chop the vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes, cube the cucumbers, chop the banana peppers, and halve the peppadew peppers. These fresh vegetables add color, texture, and brightness to the salad.
  4. Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cheeses, smoked turkey, beef salami, and all the chopped vegetables. Mixing these together ensures an even base before dressing.
  5. Prepare the dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
  6. Dress the pasta salad: Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
  7. Adjust the seasoning: Sprinkle additional black pepper over the salad and gently mix again to enhance the seasoning to your preference.
  8. Serve or refrigerate: Serve the pasta salad immediately for best flavor and texture, or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to enjoy. Stir before serving if chilled to redistribute the dressing.

Notes

  • For extra cheesiness, increase the amount of provolone or Parmesan.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes or extra banana peppers for a spicier version.
  • Swap smoked turkey and beef salami for grilled chicken to make a chicken grinder pasta salad.
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting meats and adding more vegetables, cheese, or chickpeas.
  • Include chopped red onions or shredded romaine lettuce just before serving for extra crunch.
  • For a lighter dressing, replace part of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
  • Use alternative pasta shapes such as rotini, penne, or fusilli if preferred.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; stir before serving to refresh texture.
  • Do not freeze or reheat to maintain texture and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://cookinginspirations.com/grinder-sandwich-pasta-salad-recipe/