Description
Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is a vibrant, protein‑packed cold pasta dish that captures the bold taste of a classic grinder sandwich in a refreshing summer side. With rotini tossed in a tangy grape juice vinaigrette, smoked beef, beef pepperoni, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, and crisp bell peppers, this easy recipe delivers color, texture, and flavor. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or quick lunches, it can be prepared in under 30 minutes and serves six happy guests. Enjoy on a sunny
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup diced smoked beef
- 1 cup diced beef pepperoni
- 1 cup diced smoked beef
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup grape juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini according to package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl combine cooked pasta, smoked beef, beef pepperoni, extra smoked beef, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, and bell peppers.
- Whisk together olive oil, grape juice, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version
- add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing. The salad improves in flavor after resting
- so plan ahead when possible.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boil, Mix, Chill
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Italian Grinder Pasta Salad, pasta salad recipe, summer pasta salad, easy pasta salad, Italian pasta salad, cold pasta salad, protein pasta salad, quick picnic side, rotini salad, Mediterranean pasta salad