Grinder Pasta Salad

This grinder pasta salad combines fusilli with salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, olive salad, banana peppers, and a creamy Italian dressing for a bold, crowd-pleasing pasta salad ready in 20 minutes.

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Course: Salad

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: pasta salad, salad

Prep Time: 20

Chill Time: 30

Servings:

Ingredients

The Salad

12 oz fusilli or pasta of choice cooked and cooled
4 oz salami sliced
4 oz pepperoni sliced
8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup olive salad from the jar
1 cup cherry tomatoes chopped
1/2 cup banana peppers diced
1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chives diced, for garnish

The Dressing

3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 cup Italian dressing
1 tbsp banana pepper juice
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp Creole Trinity and Herb seasoning

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water until completely cool, and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, banana pepper juice, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, and CTH seasoning until smooth and well combined.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, olive salad, cherry tomatoes, banana peppers, red onion, and Parmesan.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Toss again before serving, add extra dressing if needed, and top with diced chives.

Notes

The olive salad from the jar is the ingredient that makes this taste like a proper Italian grinder rather than just a pasta salad. Do not skip it or substitute it.
The banana pepper juice in the dressing adds a briny, tangy depth that is subtle but meaningful. Use the juice straight from the jar.
Always taste and add extra dressing before serving since the pasta absorbs it during the chill. This salad should be generously coated.
This salad is better the next day. Make it the night before for a cookout or potluck and the flavors will be significantly more developed.