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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

A vibrant and hearty pasta salad that combines savory meats, fresh veggies, and zesty dressing, perfect for gatherings and picnics.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 1 box Rotini or penne pasta Use your favorite variety.
Meats
  • 1 cup Diced salami or pepperoni Or use diced ham for a classic Italian flavor.
Vegetables
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup Bell peppers, diced Any color.
  • 1 medium Red onion, diced
Cheese
  • 1 cup Mozzarella or provolone cheese, cubed Choose your preferred cheese.
Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Homemade Italian dressing Store-bought is good if you're short on time.
Herbs
  • 1/4 cup Fresh basil or parsley, chopped Garnish before serving.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Preparing the Vegetables
  1. Chop the cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onions into bite-sized pieces.
Mixing the Salad
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and diced meats.
  2. Gently fold in the cheese.
  3. Pour in the dressing and toss until well coated.
Garnishing
  1. Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Keep dressing separate until serving to prevent mushy pasta.