Name: Italian Grinder Pasta Salad – A Must for Quick and Easy Recipes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce; 1/2 cup diced red onion; 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers; 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes; 1/2 cup chopped salami; 1/2 cup chopped ham; 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni; 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese

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This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad hits that perfect middle ground between a hearty lunch and a no-fuss, flavor-packed dinner. I’ve made it too many times to count—and every time, it disappears fast. Picture this: layers of salami, pepperoni, and ham tossed with crunchy veggies, elbow macaroni, and a creamy dressing with just enough tang to keep you reaching for one more bite. Now, I don’t know about you, but I love a pasta salad that doesn’t try too hard. We’re not looking for gourmet. We’re looking for something you can whip up on a Sunday and snack on till Tuesday (if it lasts that long). This one brings all the magic of your favorite Italian sub—minus the bread and with extra pasta. It’s like a grinder sandwich went on vacation to your fridge. So whether you’re prepping weekday lunches or trying to impress that one cousin who swears they ‘don’t eat pasta salad’—give this a spin. It’s proof that quick and easy recipes don’t have to be boring.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe
3) Ingredients for Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
4) How to Make Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
5) Tips for Making Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
6) Making Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
8) Try these salads next!
9) Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This pasta salad is a quick and easy recipe, ideal for busy weekdays or laid-back weekends.
It combines the bold flavors of an Italian grinder sandwich with the comfort of pasta.
Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or even those “what’s for lunch?” moments.
You can make it ahead and it gets even better the next day.

2) Easy Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe

This quick and easy recipe is a love letter to everyone who’s ever craved a sub sandwich but didn’t want to commit to the bread. I created this Italian Grinder Pasta Salad because, let’s be honest, sometimes we want flavor, crunch, and creaminess—all in one bite, without the sandwich press.

What I adore about this dish is how flexible it is. It works whether you’re feeding a crowd or just packing weekday lunches. It travels well, doesn’t get soggy quickly, and makes you feel like you’re biting into a cold sub that somehow morphed into a pasta bowl.

If you’re like me, always on the hunt for something that feels familiar but still fun, this one’s a keeper. It hits that quick and easy recipes spot while delivering real satisfaction. The mix of textures and flavors means you won’t even miss the bread.

3) Ingredients for Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

8 oz elbow macaroni – This is the perfect pasta for holding dressing in every curve. Cook it al dente so it doesn’t fall apart later.

1/2 cup mayonnaise – This makes up the creamy base of our dressing. Choose a good quality one for the best taste.

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar – Adds that sharp tang that cuts through the richness like a charm.

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Just enough to give the dressing a bit of attitude without being loud about it.

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes – A tiny kick that keeps your palate interested without blowing your head off.

Salt and black pepper to taste – You know the drill. Start light, taste, adjust.

1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce – Brings the crunch and fresh bite. Adds a classic grinder feel to the whole thing.

1/2 cup diced red onion – A pop of sharpness, color, and a little zip that pairs so well with the dressing.

1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers – Adds a gentle zing and keeps things lively. Don’t skip these unless you hate joy.

1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes – Sweet and juicy bursts of color and flavor. They make every forkful better.

1/2 cup chopped salami – Adds savory depth. You’ll taste that smoky edge in every bite.

1/2 cup chopped ham – A salty, slightly sweet note that balances out the salad beautifully.

1/2 cup chopped pepperoni – Brings that familiar pizza-shop flavor into the mix. A total win.

1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese – Smooth, slightly tangy cheese that ties everything together without being overpowering.

4) How to Make Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Step 1. Boil the pasta until just al dente. Drain it well, rinse under cold water, and let it sit while you prep the other stuff.

Step 2. In a big bowl, mix the mayo, vinegar, mustard, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until it’s smooth. It should look like something you want to dip fries in. That’s how you know it’s right.

Step 3. Toss in your cooled pasta along with the shredded lettuce, red onion, pepperoncini, and cherry tomatoes. Give it all a nice stir so everything’s coated in that dreamy dressing.

Step 4. Add your salami, ham, and pepperoni. Fold it in gently. You want those meats to stay a little chunky. That texture matters more than you’d think.

Step 5. Sprinkle the shredded provolone over the top, give it one last stir, and taste for salt. You’re allowed to sneak a bite here. It’s practically tradition.

Step 6. Chill for at least 30 minutes. It’s good right away, but it’s even better when everything’s had a chance to mingle.

5) Tips for Making Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

First, let’s talk about the pasta. Don’t overcook it. This is one of those quick and easy recipes that only works if your noodles hold their shape. Mushy pasta? Nope.

Chop your meats and veggies into bite-sized pieces. No one wants to wrestle a giant chunk of salami out of their bowl at a family picnic.

Want extra zing? Add a splash of pickle juice or a spoonful of chopped pickles. It sounds odd but works wonders.

6) Making Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Ahead of Time

This recipe is a meal prep hero. It holds up in the fridge and doesn’t get soggy like some pasta salads tend to. One reason I love it so much for busy weeks.

Leave the lettuce out if you’re not eating it right away. Add it just before serving to keep it crisp. Same goes for anything that might wilt or weep in the fridge.

Want more zing the next day? Stir in a tiny bit of mayo and vinegar before serving. It freshens everything up without needing a full reset.

7) Storing Leftover Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Store the salad in an airtight container. It’ll keep for four to five days in the fridge, no problem.

Give it a gentle stir before you eat it again. Pasta absorbs dressing while it rests, so it might need a refresh with a dollop of mayo or a splash of vinegar.

And don’t forget the cheese. Add a bit more when you re-serve for that creamy punch.

8) Try these salads next!

9) Italian Grinder Pasta Salad