Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe
The Italian grinder sandwich, also known as a hoagie, hero, or sub, is a beloved classic with its layers of cured meats, cheeses, pickled peppers, and tangy dressing piled high on a crusty roll. Now, those same bold flavors have been transformed into a hearty pasta salad that is perfect for potlucks, game day spreads, or weeknight dinners.
This Italian grinder pasta salad recipe packs all the zesty elements of the sandwich into a delicious and satisfying dish. Chewy pasta, sharp cubes of provolone, and salty bites of salami and pepperoni mimic the heft of the sandwich, while cherry tomatoes and zesty pepperoncini add brightness and freshness. The tangy red wine vinegar–mayonnaise dressing ties everything together with a creamy kick, and crunchy croutons on top provide the perfect textural contrast.
What makes this recipe so versatile is that you can easily customize it to your preferences. Swap in your favorite pasta shape, adjust the meats and cheeses, or even make it vegetarian by loading up on marinated veggies. The dressing is a versatile workhorse that can be used on green salads or as a dip for crudités.
One key step in this recipe is soaking raw red onions in vinegar. This quick pickling process softens the sharpness of the onions while infusing them with tangy brightness. The acidity in the vinegar breaks down the sulfur compounds in the onions, mellowing their flavor without losing their natural sweetness and crunch.
When it comes to sourcing the meats and cheeses for this pasta salad, heading to the deli counter is your best bet. You can have everything sliced exactly to your specifications, ensuring freshness and customizable cuts. Shopping at the deli also allows you to buy just the amount you need, reducing waste and cost.
Some tips from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen include swapping the pasta with rotini, penne, or farfalle, using banana peppers instead of pepperoncini, or adding crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
This Italian grinder pasta salad is a delightful twist on a classic sandwich, perfect for sharing with friends and family at any gathering. Whether you’re a fan of the original grinder or just looking for a delicious and easy-to-make pasta salad, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy!
