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Grinder Pasta Salad

Grinder Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Summer Flavor Explosion

Grinder Pasta Salad is a refreshing summer dish that balances flavor and ease, perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups pasta any shape such as rotini or Mafalda Corta
  • 2 cups lettuce finely shredded, any leafy variety
  • 1 cup salami diced, try Garlic Genoa for added flavor
  • 1 cup cheese grass-fed cheddar or dairy-free cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup green olives sliced; substitute with black olives if desired
  • 2 tablespoons olive juice to enhance flavor
  • 1/4 cup pepperoncini optional
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise swap with vegan mayo for plant-based option
  • 1 tablespoon honey Dijon mustard or regular Dijon
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or other vinegar if desired
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dry oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring Cup
  • large spoon or spatula

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool.
  2. Finely shred your lettuce, chop the salami and cheese into bite-sized cubes, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the cucumber, and slice the green olives and pepperoncini if using.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped lettuce, salami, cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and pepperoncini. Pour in olive juice and toss gently.
  4. In a medium measuring cup, whisk together mayonnaise, honey Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dry oregano, and Italian seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until all components are evenly coated. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 8mg

Notes

For freshness, add delicate ingredients like lettuce and cherry tomatoes right before serving. This salad can be prepped a day in advance with the dressing stored separately.

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