Dinner

Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe

Name: Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon banana pepper juice (from the jar of banana pepper rings); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp oregano; 1/3 cup banana pepper rings; 1/4 red onion, or to taste; 1 cup cherry tomatoes; 5 ounces salami; 6 ounces deli turkey breast; 8 ounces sliced provolone cheese; 1 pound rotini pasta

Bylina Carter July 11, 2025July 11, 2025

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to capture all the flavor and flair of a classic Italian sub sandwich in one irresistibly shareable dish, look no further than Grinder Pasta Salad. This pasta salad bursts with creamy dressing, zingy banana peppers, savory deli meats, and melty provolone, all tossed with rotini for the ultimate picnic or weeknight meal. Every forkful features bold flavors and pops of color, making this recipe as visually inviting as it is addictive to eat—bring it to your next gathering, and don’t expect to leave with leftovers!

Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Grinder Pasta Salad is that it takes simple, everyday deli and pantry ingredients and transforms them into something extraordinary. Every single item plays a vital role, so grab the best you can—they each bring flavor, crunch, or creaminess to the party. Here’s your essential list, plus handy tips for making the most of each element:

Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the dressing, mayo brings everything together for a luscious texture.
Red wine vinegar: Adds tanginess and keeps the salad from feeling heavy—don’t skip it!
Banana pepper juice: That briny kick is the secret to the whole Grinder Pasta Salad flavor profile.
Garlic powder: For subtle, punchy savoriness in every bite.
Oregano: Classic Italian herb vibes; a sprinkle makes the flavors pop.
Banana pepper rings: These bring a splash of color and zingy crunch.
Red onion: Thin slices add sharpness and a little bit of bite; adjust to your taste.
Cherry tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and bright—halve them so they distribute evenly.
Salami: Meaty, salty, and rich—chopped into bites so each forkful gets some.
Deli turkey breast: Balances the richness of the salami with a lighter texture.
Provolone cheese: Mild, melty, and oh-so-satisfying—slice and cube for perfect pasta salad bites.
Rotini pasta: This shape hugs the dressing, veggies, and meats for ultimate flavor in every piece.

How to Make Grinder Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of water to a rolling boil, add a generous pinch of salt, and toss in your rotini. Cook it just until al dente so it holds up once all that delicious dressing and mix-ins are added. Drain well, then rinse with cold water to cool things off quickly—this prevents sticking and keeps the salad bright and fresh.

Step 2: Mix Up the Grinder Dressing

While the pasta cooks, grab a small bowl and combine the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, garlic powder, and oregano. Whisk it all together until smooth and creamy—the aroma alone will have your taste buds tingling! This dressing is what makes Grinder Pasta Salad so unforgettable, giving every ingredient a punchy, zesty kick.

Step 3: Prep the Fixings

Slice, dice, and chop with abandon! Cube the provolone, salami, and deli turkey breast into satisfying, bite-sized chunks. Thinly slice the red onion, halve those juicy cherry tomatoes, and chop up the banana pepper rings. By prepping everything before mixing, you’ll get an even distribution of flavors in every bite.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

In a giant mixing bowl, add all the prepped meats, cheese, veggies, and banana peppers. Pour in your cooled pasta and drizzle everything with the tangy dressing. Give it a good toss—use clean hands or big spatulas—until everything is gorgeous and evenly coated. Serve right away for peak freshness or chill it to let the flavors mingle even more.

How to Serve Grinder Pasta Salad

Garnishes

For the perfect finishing touch, shower your Grinder Pasta Salad with a handful of extra chopped banana peppers, a sprinkle of oregano, or even freshly cracked black pepper. A dusting of grated Parmesan adds umami and extra color.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad is robust enough to be a main, but pairs like a dream with potato chips, a crisp green salad, or some grilled veggies. If you’re going full picnic, serve alongside cold watermelon slices or a pile of garlic knots for pure comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

If you really want to make an entrance, spoon Grinder Pasta Salad into lettuce cups for a fresh twist, pile high in a hollowed out bread loaf for a wow-factor party centerpiece, or serve individual portions in mason jars for grab-and-go lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Grinder Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. Stir in a spoonful of mayo or a splash of vinegar if the pasta starts to soak up too much dressing while it sits.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this dish—creamy dressings and fresh veggies can lose their texture and turn watery once thawed. Grinder Pasta Salad is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature, so save yourself the hassle—just stir, garnish, and dig in straight from the fridge!

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for grabbing onto the dressing, penne, fusilli, or even small shells work well. Just aim for a shape with lots of nooks and crannies.

What deli meats can I substitute in Grinder Pasta Salad?

If you aren’t a fan of salami or turkey, try ham, roast beef, or even pepperoni, depending on your taste. Just go for meats that hold their texture and flavor when tossed with creamy dressing.

Is Grinder Pasta Salad gluten free?

As written, it uses regular pasta, but you can swap for your favorite gluten free rotini or fusilli to make it entirely gluten free. Be sure to check all other ingredients for hidden gluten too!

How long can I make this ahead?

You can prep Grinder Pasta Salad up to a day in advance. If making it ahead, store the dressing separately and toss right before serving for the freshest texture and most vibrant flavors.

Can I add extra veggies?

Definitely! Chopped cucumbers, bell peppers, or even shredded lettuce can bulk up your salad and bring in extra crunch and color. Just keep the ratios balanced so every bite is still hearty and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to make your next meal, picnic, or party unforgettable, you absolutely have to try Grinder Pasta Salad. It’s bold, colorful, packed with flavor, and genuinely easy to throw together—even on your busiest nights. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you and what little twists you add to make it your own!