Easy Italian Grinder Pasta Salad - 10 Simple Ingredients

This chunky, colorful Italian Grinder Pasta Salad tastes just like biting into a loaded Italian sub, but without the bread. Layers of sliced pepperoni, ham, salami, and provolone get tossed with tender penne and tangy pepperoncini, all coated in a creamy garlic-Parmesan dressing that clings to every bite. I first made this for a backyard cookout last summer, and it disappeared so fast I barely got a second serving. It's ready in about half an hour, uses ingredients you probably already love, and travels beautifully to potlucks or picnics.

Homemade Italian Grinder Pasta Salad with spiral pasta, tomatoes, lettuce, and bacon, topped with Parmesan and creamy dressing.

If you're looking for more crowd-pleasing dishes, try my Buffalo Chicken Wraps Recipe or Crispy Chicken Croissant Sandwich for easy, flavor-packed meals everyone will enjoy.

Why You'll Love This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

This isn't your average Italian Grinder Pasta Salad. It brings all the bold, briny, savory flavors of an Italian grinder sandwich into a bowl you can make ahead and serve cold. The creamy garlic pasta salad dressing has just the right tang from red wine vinegar, and the grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth that ties everything together. You get crispy pepperoni, tender ham, spicy salami, and creamy provolone in every forkful, plus the pop of tangy pepperoncini and sweet grape tomatoes. It's hearty enough to stand on its own as a light lunch, but it also shines as a side dish at barbecues, potlucks, or game day spreads.

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Why You'll Love This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Ingredients
How to Make Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
Substitutions and Variations
Equipment For Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Serving Suggestions
Expert Tips
What Makes This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Special
FAQ
Related
Pairing
Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Ingredients

You'll need just a handful of simple ingredients to make this savory Italian Grinder Pasta Salad with provolone.

See Recipe Card Below This Post For ingtedient Quantites

For the Pasta Salad:

Penne pasta: The ridged tubes catch the dressing and hold onto bits of meat and cheese, making every bite flavorful.
Shredded iceberg lettuce: Adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich meats and creamy dressing. About 2 to 3 cups works perfectly.
Ham, sliced: Brings a mild, slightly sweet flavor that balances the spicier meats.
Pepperoni, sliced: Adds a kick of spice and that classic Italian sub flavor everyone loves.
Salami, sliced: Gives the salad a rich, garlicky depth and a little smoky note.
Provolone cheese, sliced or cubed: Melts slightly into the warm pasta and adds creamy, mild flavor.
Grape tomatoes, halved: Sweet, juicy bursts that brighten up the whole dish.
Pepperoncini peppers, sliced: Tangy, briny, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting.
Red onion, finely diced: Adds a sharp, pungent bite that mellows as it sits in the dressing.

For the Grinder Dressing:

Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base that coats everything evenly.
Red wine vinegar: Brings a bright, tangy punch that cuts through the richness.
Minced garlic: Adds a pungent, savory depth that makes the dressing irresistible.
Sugar: Balances the acidity and rounds out the flavors.
Dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that ties the whole dish together.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty richness that makes the dressing taste restaurant-quality.

How to Make Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

This easy Italian Grinder Pasta Salad for a crowd comes together in just a few simple steps.

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to the package directions, usually about 10 to 11 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander, then rinse it under cold running water until it's completely cool. This stops the cooking and keeps the pasta from getting mushy. Drain well and set aside.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to the package directions, usually about 10 to 11 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander, then rinse it under cold running water until it's completely cool. This stops the cooking and keeps the pasta from getting mushy. Drain well and set aside.

Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, sugar, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The dressing should be thick but pourable. Set it aside while you prep the other ingredients.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, sugar, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The dressing should be thick but pourable. Set it aside while you prep the other ingredients.

Prep the salad ingredients: Slice the ham, pepperoni, and salami into thin strips or quarters, about ¼-inch thick. Cut the provolone into small cubes or thin slices, whichever you prefer. Halve the grape tomatoes, slice the pepperoncini into thin rings, and finely dice the red onion. Having everything prepped and ready makes the assembly super quick.

Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded lettuce, ham, pepperoni, salami, provolone, grape tomatoes, pepperoncini, and red onion. Toss everything together gently so the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Dress and toss: Pour the grinder dressing over the pasta mixture and use a large spoon or spatula to toss everything together until every piece is coated in that creamy, tangy dressing. Don't be shy, get in there and make sure the dressing reaches all the way to the bottom of the bowl.

Serve: You can serve this Italian grinder pasta salad right away, or cover it and chill it in the fridge for an hour or two to let the flavors meld. It tastes great either way, but I love it best when it's had a little time to sit and soak up all that dressing.

Substitutions and Variations

This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is flexible and easy to customize based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Swap the meats: Use turkey, roast beef, or even leftover rotisserie chicken instead of the traditional deli meats. You can also go all-pepperoni if that's your favorite.

Change the cheese: Try mozzarella, sharp cheddar, or even a crumbled feta for a different flavor profile.

Make it spicier: Add sliced jalapeños, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or use spicy pepperoni for extra heat.

Use a different pasta: Rotini, bow ties, or even elbow macaroni work beautifully in place of penne.

Add more veggies: Diced bell peppers, sliced black olives, or chopped cucumbers are all great additions.

Lighten it up: Use Greek yogurt in place of half the mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier dressing.

Equipment For Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Large pot: For boiling the pasta.
Medium mixing bowl: For whisking together the dressing.
Large mixing bowl: For assembling and tossing the Italian Grinder Pasta Salad. You'll want plenty of room to mix everything without making a mess.
Knife and cutting board: For slicing the meats, cheese, tomatoes, peppers, and onion.
Measuring spoons and cups: To get the dressing ingredients just right.
Colander: For draining and rinsing the pasta.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad keeps beautifully and actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to blend.

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The lettuce may wilt slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Make ahead: You can prep all the ingredients and make the dressing up to a day in advance. Store everything separately in the fridge, then toss it all together an hour or two before serving.

Freshen it up: If the salad seems dry after sitting in the fridge, stir in a spoonful or two of mayonnaise or a splash of red wine vinegar to bring it back to life.

Don't freeze: Italian Grinder Pasta Salad with mayonnaise-based dressing doesn't freeze well. The texture gets watery and the vegetables lose their crunch.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty, flavorful Italian Grinder Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes.

At a barbecue: Serve it alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, or chicken for a classic cookout spread.

With sandwiches: Pair it with a simple grilled cheese or a fresh Caprese sandwich for an easy lunch.

As a picnic side: Pack it in a cooler with some fruit salad, chips, and cold drinks for a perfect outdoor meal.

With seafood: It goes surprisingly well with grilled shrimp or baked salmon for a lighter, summery dinner.

Expert Tips

Rinse the pasta thoroughly: Cold water stops the cooking process and washes away excess starch, which keeps the pasta from clumping together and helps the dressing stick better.

Don't skip the sugar: That one teaspoon of sugar in the dressing balances the acidity of the vinegar and makes the whole thing taste more rounded and delicious.

Slice the meats into bite-sized pieces: Cutting everything into uniform strips or cubes ensures every forkful has a little bit of everything.

Add the lettuce last: If you're making this ahead, wait to add the shredded lettuce until just before serving so it stays crisp and fresh.

Let it chill: Giving the Italian Grinder Pasta Salad an hour or two in the fridge lets the flavors meld and the pasta soak up the dressing. It's worth the wait.

What Makes This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Special

The secret is in the dressing. Most Italian Grinder Pasta Salad use bottled Italian dressing, but this homemade grinder dressing with mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and Parmesan creates a rich, tangy coating that sticks to the pasta and meats instead of pooling at the bottom of the bowl. The combination of three different deli meats adds layers of flavor and texture, from the slight spice of pepperoni to the smoky richness of salami. Fresh, crunchy iceberg lettuce keeps things light and crisp, while the pepperoncini peppers bring a briny, vinegary punch that cuts through the richness. It's a cold pasta salad with Italian dressing vibes, but so much better.

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad with penne, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and deli meats, topped with creamy dressing.

FAQ

What is an Italian Grinder Pasta Salad?

An Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is a deconstructed version of a classic Italian sub sandwich, featuring all the same ingredients like deli meats, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers, but tossed together in a bowl instead of layered on bread. It's often served with a tangy, creamy dressing and can include pasta to make it more filling. It's a fun, easy way to enjoy all those bold sandwich flavors without the bread.

What are the five mistakes to avoid pasta salad?

The biggest mistakes are undercooking or overcooking the pasta, not rinsing it after cooking, adding the dressing while the pasta is too hot, using too little dressing, and not seasoning properly. Make sure your pasta is tender but firm, rinse it well to cool it down and remove starch, let it cool completely before dressing, use enough dressing to coat everything, and don't be shy with salt and pepper. My sister Lina always says, "Taste it before you serve it, or you'll regret it later."

What's the secret to a flavorful pasta salad?

The secret is in the dressing and letting the salad sit for a bit before serving. A homemade dressing with bold flavors like garlic, vinegar, and Parmesan makes all the difference compared to store-bought options. Giving the salad time to chill in the fridge lets the pasta absorb the dressing and allows all the flavors to blend together beautifully.

What's the best Italian dressing for pasta salad?

For this Italian Grinder Pasta Salad, a creamy, mayonnaise-based dressing with red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and Parmesan works best because it clings to the pasta and meats instead of settling at the bottom of the bowl. If you prefer a vinaigrette-style dressing, look for one with a good balance of oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs, but keep in mind it won't coat the pasta as thoroughly as a creamy version.