Dinner

Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe

ByHugo Harnd January 10, 2026January 10, 2026

Introduction

This Grinder Pasta Salad is a delicious and hearty dish inspired by classic sandwich flavors. Packed with salami, pepperoni, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, it’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a satisfying lunch. Ready in just a few simple steps, it’s sure to become a favorite.

A white bowl filled with a creamy pasta salad showing three main layers: at the bottom and throughout, light beige spiral rotini pasta with a smooth texture; mixed in the middle are bright green chopped lettuce pieces with a slightly crisp look; scattered over and inside are slices of red cherry tomatoes, small white mozzarella balls, and thin strips of pink ham, all coated lightly with a creamy white dressing. A wooden spoon is scooping a serving from the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled texture surface with a red and white cloth nearby and two copper and brass shakers in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ¼ cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup Italian dressing
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves (grated or finely minced)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 pound rotini pasta
1 cup cucumbers (diced)
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
½ cup pepperoncinis
1 cup salami (cut into slices)
1 cup pepperoni (cut into slices)
½ cup pickled red onions (or red onions cut into thin slices)
1 cup mozzarella pearls
1 cup crisp lettuce (romaine or iceberg)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Italian dressing, grated parmesan, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 2: Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Step 3: In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, pepperoncinis, salami, pepperoni, pickled red onions, and mozzarella pearls.
Step 4: Pour the chilled dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently to combine all ingredients. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 5: Just before serving, stir in the chopped crisp lettuce for added freshness and crunch. Serve chilled.

Tips & Variations

Feel free to swap salami and pepperoni with other deli meats like ham or turkey for a different twist.
Adding a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley brightens the flavor.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred for dietary needs.
To intensify the tanginess, add a splash of red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice to the dressing.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to add the lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp. When reheating, this salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature rather than heated.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a creamy rotini pasta salad that has three main layers: twisted pale yellow pasta, bright red sliced cherry tomatoes, and light green chopped lettuce mixed evenly with small white mozzarella balls and thin slices of pink salami. On top of the salad, there is a shiny gold spoon scooping up a mix of all these ingredients. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with two metallic copper containers blurred in the back and a piece of bread partially visible on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance, but keep the lettuce separate and add it right before serving to maintain its crunch.

What can I use if I don’t have pepperoncinis?

If you don’t have pepperoncinis, sliced banana peppers or mild pickled jalapeños make good alternatives and add a similar tangy, slightly spicy flavor.