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Creamy Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of fresh vegetables, zesty Italian meats, and tender rotini pasta coated in a luscious creamy dressing. Inspired by Italian deli sandwiches, this pasta salad is vibrant, flavorful, and perfect for potlucks, picnics, or weeknight dinners.
What sets this salad apart is its balance of textures and flavors. Crunchy bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp olives contrast beautifully with tender pasta and creamy dressing. Salami, pepperoni, and mozzarella provide savory richness, while Italian herbs and a touch of garlic give it authentic Italian flavor.
This recipe is easy to make ahead, holds up well in the fridge, and is endlessly customizable. Swap meats for vegetarian options, add more veggies, or turn it into a lighter version by using Greek yogurt in place of some mayo.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a lunch for yourself, this Creamy Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is a reliable, flavorful, and satisfying option.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 12 oz tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup diced salami
- 1 cup diced pepperoni
- 1 cup diced mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Creamy Italian Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water; set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, red onion, and parsley.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Optionally, garnish with extra parsley or shredded Parmesan.
Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
- Use tri-color rotini for visual appeal and better sauce cling.
- Chill before serving – this helps the flavors meld and makes it even tastier.
- Dice all ingredients uniformly for even bites.
- Make ahead – it tastes even better the next day!
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect as a side for grilled meats, sandwiches, or picnics
- Serve in a bowl at potlucks or family gatherings
- Pair with garlic bread for a full Italian-inspired meal
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Omit salami and pepperoni; add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts.
- Light Version: Replace half of the mayo with Greek yogurt.
- Extra Zesty: Add 1–2 tsp of pesto to the dressing for a flavor boost
Creamy Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
A colorful, flavorful pasta salad with Italian meats, mozzarella, vegetables, and creamy Italian dressing.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, red onion, and parsley.
- Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Notes
Make ahead for best flavor. Can be customized with different veggies or meats.
