Grinder Pasta Salad takes everything you love about an Italian grinder sandwich and turns it into a delicious, light pasta salad in less than 10 minutes!
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The Viral TikTok Grinder
I know you’ve probably seen a million videos about the viral TikTok grinder sandwich, I know I have. Between that and a big love for the Jersey Mikes Original Italian. But of course, here in Texas, it’s insanely hot, and I wanted to mix it up in a lighter way. This recipe takes those key elements and turns them into an Italian Grinder in pasta salad form, making it a perfect light and refreshing meal.
Equipment Needed
Cutting Board– You always need a cutting board when using a knife. I would recommend plastic or glass since we are working with meat and cheese. Wooden cutting boards are notorious for holding bacteria.
Knife– Always make sure to use a sharp knife to ensure great cuts.
Large mixing bowl– You’ll need this to mix your salad.
Ingredients
Penne Pasta– You can really use any small bite-sized pasta. I just prefer penne.
Romaine Lettuce or Iceberg Lettuce– I like to use romaine, it has more nutrients than iceberg, but use what you like.
Red Wine Vinegar– You can use any red wine vinegar. This is going to add the nice acidic, sharpness to the dish.
Oregano– Adding herbs like Oregano are a great way to add flavor.
Red Onion– For this recipe red onion just works the best.
Olive Oil– Any light olive oil will go great.
Hard Salami– Hard salami has a higher protein content and less fat. Typically made from beef.
Genoa Salami– Genoa salami is higher in fat, making it softer. Genoa is made from pork but sometimes can be made from veal.
Pepperoni– It’s a variety of spicy salami made from cured pork and beef seasoned with paprika or other chili pepper.
Ham– You can use any thin-sliced deli-style ham.
Provolone cheese– Provolone is typically a mild, semi-soft cheese with a little saltiness.
Cherry Tomatoes– This is going to add to the crisp bite of freshness with the lettuce and onion.
Fresh Basil– Fresh basil can elevate almost any dish with very little effort.
Red Pepper Flakes– If you want to up the spice, add some red pepper flakes.
Specific Ingredients
Red Wine Vinegar is made from the fermentation of red wine. It has a sour, more acidic taste.
Balsamic Vinegar is made from unfermented grapes, it also has a sweeter taste. Another key difference is it has a thick, syrupy texture.
Genoa vs Hard Salami
Genoa Salami originates from the Genoa region of Italy. It’s made with pork, wine, garlic, salt, and pepper. It has a sharp fermented flavor and is one of the more popular varieties of salami.
Hard Salami is usually smoked beef. Given the fat content and smoking, this gives it a hard, stiff texture.
Instructions
Start by filling your large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Next, add about 2 cups of pasta of your choice. I like to use penne, but whatever you prefer.
Boil your pasta until it reaches al dente and strain.
While your pasta is cooling, wash and cut your lettuce. I use 1 head of romaine lettuce. A good, rough chop into bite-size pieces will do.
Once those are both prepped, time to cut the meats and cheeses. It will be 8 slices of each item, Genoa salami, hard salami, ham, pepperoni, and provolone cheese. Chop these into small one inch size pieces.
It’s time to add everything to the bowl. I like to start with the lettuce and then add the pasta and the meats. But it honestly doesn’t matter.
Once everything is in the bowl, it is time to add the oregano, oil, and vinegar. You’ll need about 1 tablespoon of oregano and 2 tablespoons of olive oil and vinegar.
Give it a good mix to really incorporate the oil and vinegar.
You can also add your optional red onions and tomatoes at the same time as the lettuce.
Serve and top with fresh basil and red pepper flakes.
Make Ahead
It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days as long as you don’t premix the lettuce
Variations and Substitutions
Gluten-Free– there are quite a few brands of salami that are gluten-free. You can also find gluten-free pasta at your local grocery store. Provolone cheese is naturally gluten-free.
Tips & Tricks
The smaller you cut your meat and cheese, the easier it is to eat.
Choosing a pasta with lots of folds allows for more oil and vinegar to soak in.
Storing your Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
Keep your pasta in an air tight container in the refrigerator.
More Recipes
- Guinness Braised Short Ribs
- Chicken Friand (La Madeleine Copycat)
- Mexican Street Corn Chicken Enchiladas
- Easy, Creamy Lasagna Soup
- Blackened Chicken Ceasar Salad
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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
Equipment
- 1 large bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
- 1 Medium pot
Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 head romaine lettuce chopped into bite size
- 8 slices Genoa salami
- 8 slices hard salami
- 8 slices pepperoni
- 8 sliced deli ham
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp oregano
- ½ red onion thinly sliced
- 6 cherry tomatoes optional, diced
- 2 sprigs basil optional
- red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Start by filling your large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Next, add about 2 cups of pasta of your choice.
- Boil your pasta until it reaches al dente and strain.
- While your pasta is cooling, wash and cut your lettuce.
- Cut your meats and cheese into small, one inch pieces.
- Add your cooked pasta, lettuce, meats, and cheese to the medium size mixing bowl. You can also add your optional red onions and tomatoes.
- Once everything is in the bowl, it is time to add the oregano, oil, and vinegar. You'll need about 1 tablespoon of oregano and 2 tablespoons of olive oil and vinegar.
- Give it a good mix to really incorporate the oil and vinegar.
- Serve and top with fresh basil and red pepper flakes