Grinder Pasta Salad

Name: Grinder Pasta Salad
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb rotini pasta; 8 oz genoa salami, diced; 8 oz deli ham, diced; 8 oz provolone cheese, diced; 2 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded; 1/2 cup pepperoncini, sliced; 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tsp italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 2 tbsp pepperoncini brine

25 minEasyServes 6730 cal/serving

AmericanSaladNo-CookStandardHigh FiberHigh ProteinCorn-Free

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Ingredients

1 lb rotini pasta
8 oz genoa salami, diced
8 oz deli ham, diced
8 oz provolone cheese, diced
2 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded
1/2 cup pepperoncini, sliced
1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp pepperoncini brine

Instructions

1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 1 lb rotini pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water until fully cooled.
2

In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 2 tbsp pepperoncini brine, 1 tsp italian seasoning, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder to make the dressing.
3

In a large bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, 8 oz diced genoa salami, 8 oz diced deli ham, 8 oz diced provolone cheese, 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini, 1/2 cup finely diced red onion, and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes.
4

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
5

Fold in the 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce just before serving so it stays crisp.
6

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld, then toss again and serve chilled.

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Questions

What is Grinder Pasta Salad?

The recipe that led the May 2026 pasta-salad wave: salami, ham, and provolone folded with shredded lettuce, pepperoncini, and cooled pasta in a creamy, tangy grinder-sandwich dressing. Plan ahead: chill at least 1 hour before serving. This reference files it under American salad: made without cooking, rated easy and about 25 minutes start to finish.

How much time should I plan for Grinder Pasta Salad?

As written, 25 minutes: 25 of prep and 0 of cooking. The longest single stretch is the hands-off wait in step 6, 1 hour. That wait sits outside the stated prep and cook times, so plan around it.

Is there a substitute for Italian seasoning in Grinder Pasta Salad?

The entry for Grinder Pasta Salad calls for 1 tsp italian seasoning. In its place: Equal parts dried oregano, basil and thyme, with a little rosemary.

Can I make Grinder Pasta Salad dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Grinder Pasta Salad is 8 oz provolone cheese, diced. Swap the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Grinder Pasta Salad gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Grinder Pasta Salad is 1 lb rotini pasta. Swap the pasta for a gluten-free one, cooked a minute short of its package time. Everything else proceeds as written.

Does Grinder Pasta Salad contain eggs?

Yes: 1/2 cup mayonnaise. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, dairy and eggs. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Can I make Grinder Pasta Salad ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Once dressed, the lettuce will wilt within hours, so keep the dressing apart and toss Grinder Pasta Salad just before serving. Undressed and refrigerated, the components hold about two days. It does not freeze.

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