Dinner

Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe

ByAndria Russo December 28, 2025December 28, 2025

Introduction

Grinder Pasta Salad is a hearty and flavorful dish inspired by classic deli sandwiches. Packed with savory meats, cheeses, fresh vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing, it’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a satisfying weeknight meal.

A large white bowl holds a colorful pasta salad with three main layers: the bottom layer is made of beige spiraled rotini pasta, the middle layer features sliced red cherry tomatoes, yellow banana pepper rings, and thin purple onion slices, while the top layer has strips of dark pink and red cured meat, shreds of pale green lettuce, and light cream-colored cheese shavings scattered throughout. Two wooden spoons rest inside the bowl, partially covered by the salad. Surrounding the bowl on a white marbled surface are a wooden board with a block of cheese, a small white bowl with white grated cheese, and another small white bowl with dried herbs. A striped black, white, and beige cloth is placed to the upper right side of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 ounces rotini pasta
¼ pound oven roasted turkey, chopped into 2 inch long strips
¼ pound pepperoni, chopped into 2 inch long strips
¼ pound salami, chopped into 2 inch long strips
5 slices provolone cheese, chopped into 2 inch long strips
¼ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
½ head iceberg lettuce, thinly shredded
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters
½ cup pepperoncinis, sliced
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing:

1 cup mayonnaise (homemade or store-bought)
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon pepperoncini juice
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 clove garlic, grated
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium-sized measuring cup, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini juice, dried oregano, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until al dente, usually around 9 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta completely.
Step 3: While the pasta cooks, prepare the turkey, pepperoni, salami, provolone cheese, iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes, pepperoncinis, and red onion as described.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with all the prepared meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld and the pasta absorb the dressing.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or use a vinaigrette instead.
Try adding olives or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Use whole grain or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.
Chilling the salad overnight enhances the flavor even more.

Storage

Store the Grinder Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If the salad thickens after refrigeration, you can add a splash of additional red wine vinegar or a little olive oil before serving to refresh the flavors.

How to Serve

A large white bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad sitting on a white marbled surface, with two wooden spoons resting inside the bowl. The salad has four main layers: a bottom layer of light beige spiral rotini pasta, mixed with a layer of thin, pale green lettuce strips, then topped with bright red cherry tomato halves, thin slices of yellow pepper rings, and slices of both dark red pepperoni and light pink salami. There are bits of white shredded cheese, thin red onion slices, and finely grated cheese sprinkled on top, creating a textured look. Around the bowl are small white dishes, one with dried herbs and one with grated cheese, and a small block of pale yellow cheese on a wooden board, partially visible. A striped cloth is seen on the upper edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, making the salad a few hours or even the night before helps the flavors blend beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

Can I use other types of meat or cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite deli meats like ham or roast beef, and use cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar to suit your taste.

Andria Russo