Italian Grinder Pasta Salad (Creamy & Easy!)

Ingredients

• 12 oz bowtie or rotini pasta (regular or gluten-free)
• 2 oz deli ham (chopped or sliced into strips)
• 3 oz salami
• 2 oz pepperoni (chopped)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 0.5 cup banana peppers (sliced)
• 0.5 cup red onion (diced)
• 1.5 cup romaine or iceberg lettuce (shredded)
• 8 oz mozzarella balls
• 0.333 cup shredded parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
• fresh basil (for garnish)
• 0.333 cup mayonnaise
• 0.5 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (or dairy-free alternative)
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1.5 tbsp pepperoncini juice
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp parmesan cheese (for the dressing)
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• crushed red pepper flakes (optional pinch)

Steps

1. 1

   Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking, then let it drain completely.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini juice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 tablespoon of parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.

3. 3

   Add cooled pasta, ham, salami, pepperoni, cherry tomatoes, banana peppers, red onion, mozzarella balls, and 1/3 cup shredded parmesan to the bowl and toss until everything is well coated.

4. 4

   Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.

5. 5

   Right before serving, gently fold in the shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce to keep it crisp.

6. 6

   Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more pepperoncini juice, salt, or black pepper to taste. If you prefer a creamier pasta salad, stir in a little more mayo, sour cream, or Greek yogurt until you reach your desired consistency.

Notes

Reserve a little dressing for later: If you’re making this ahead of time, save about 3 tablespoons to stir in before serving. It makes the pasta salad taste freshly made again after it’s been sitting in the fridge. Cut everything into similar-sized pieces: Try to chop everything about the same size so you get a little pasta, meat, cheese, and veggies in every bite.

Nutrition per serving

• pasta salad
• side dish
• summer
• potluck
• meal prep
• Italian
• grinder