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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Italian grinder pasta salad with rotini pasta, sliced Italian deli meats, provolone, banana peppers, and a tangy Italian dressing. Chilled for 2 hours so every bite tastes like a hearty deli-style hoagie salad.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
chilling 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and deli toppings
  • 1 lb rotini pasta
  • 8 oz salami, sliced and quartered
  • 8 oz pepperoni, quartered
  • 8 oz ham, diced
  • 8 oz provolone cheese, cubed
Vegetables and finishing greens
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup banana peppers, sliced
  • 0.5 cup red onion, diced
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
Dressing and seasonings
  • 1 cup Italian dressing
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Cook and prep
  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and cool it quickly.
Build the salad
  1. Add the pasta, salami, pepperoni, ham, provolone, cherry tomatoes, banana peppers, and red onion to a large bowl and toss lightly to distribute the mix evenly.
  2. Add Italian dressing, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, then toss until the pasta and meats are coated and glossy.
Chill
  1. Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours so the flavors meld together and the dressing clings to the pasta.
Finish and serve
  1. Just before serving, add the shredded iceberg lettuce and toss to keep it crisp rather than wilting.
  2. Taste and adjust the dressing if needed, then serve chilled.

Notes

For best texture, rinse the pasta in cold water so it doesn’t clump, and add lettuce only at the end. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the lettuce will soften but it’s still good. Freezing isn’t recommended because deli meats and lettuce change texture. If you want a lighter option, use low-sodium Italian dressing and reduce the Parmesan slightly.