Okay, if you love those loaded Italian grinder sandwiches, you’re gonna flip for this Italian Grinder Pasta Salad. It’s got all the flavors of the classic sub—salami, pepperoni, cheese, tangy dressing, crunchy veggies—all tossed with pasta. It’s savory, creamy, crunchy, and super satisfying. And guess what? No bread required.
Perfect for meal prep, BBQs, or just a big bowl of comfort on a weeknight. Let’s make it!
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made this when I had leftover cold cuts and didn’t want another sandwich. One bite and it was chef’s kiss. It’s bold, flavorful, and tastes like your favorite sub shop in pasta salad form.
Why it’s on repeat at my house:
- 🧀 All the deli vibes without the bread
- 🥒 Crunchy, creamy, and tangy in one bite
- 🧊 Tastes amazing cold—perfect for leftovers
- 🥓 Endlessly customizable (you can swap or add anything!)
- ⏱️ 30 minutes max start to finish
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup sliced banana peppers
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
- ¼ cup sliced pepperoni
- ¼ cup sliced salami
- ½ cup cubed provolone or mozzarella cheese
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Italian dressing
- ½ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
How to Make Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil 2 cups of rotini pasta in salted water until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down.
2. Slice and Dice the Veggies
Thinly slice ½ cup cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup red onion, and ½ cup banana peppers. Shred ½ cup lettuce.
3. Chop the Meats & Cheese
Slice or chop ¼ cup pepperoni, ¼ cup salami, and ½ cup provolone cheese into bite-sized pieces.
4. Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, stir together ⅓ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Italian dressing, ½ tsp oregano, ¼ tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Combine Everything
In a big bowl, add the cooled pasta, veggies, meats, cheese, and shredded lettuce. Pour the dressing on top and toss until everything is coated.
6. Chill and Serve
Let it chill for 30 minutes if you can. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
What to Serve With It
This pasta salad is a full meal on its own, but if you’re making it for a party or want a little something extra, try it with:
- 🧄 Garlic bread or focaccia
- 🥗 A crisp green salad with balsamic
- 🍗 Grilled chicken or sausage
- 🧊 Iced tea or lemonade to balance the bold flavors
FAQ
Can I use a different pasta?
Yep! Bow tie, penne, or shells all work great.
Does the lettuce get soggy?
Not really, but if you’re making it ahead, just stir in the lettuce right before serving.
How long does it last?
About 3–4 days in the fridge. Store in an airtight container.
Can I skip the meat?
Totally! Just load up on more veggies or add chickpeas for protein.
What other dressings can I use?
A creamy Caesar or homemade vinaigrette works great too.
Enjoy!
This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is bold, creamy, and packed with flavor—basically a deli sandwich in pasta form. Super easy, super tasty. Make a big bowl and watch it disappear! 😊🥗🇮🇹