Grinder Pasta Salad

Grinder Pasta Salad

8 servings
Italian grinder-inspired pasta salad made with classic sub ingredients and tossed in a flavorful lightened up creamy dressing.

Ingredients

  • pasta

    cooked and cooled, i like rotini or bowtie pasta- use chickpea pasta or whole wheat for higher fiber

    12 oz
  • cucumber)

    diced (~1 large english cucumber

    2 c
  • cherry tomatoes

    halved

    2 c
  • finely shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
    2 c
  • sweet onion

    diced

    1 c
  • banana peppers

    chopped

    1 c
  • deli turkey

    chopped

    6 oz.
  • deli ham

    chopped

    6 oz
  • turkey pepperoni or salami

    chopped

    6 oz
  • provolone cheese

    chopped

    6 oz
  • plain greek yogurt
    ¾ c
  • mayonnaise
    2 tbsp
  • white wine vinegar
    2 tbsp
  • parmesan cheese
    ¼ c
  • honey
    1 tbsp
  • garlic

    finely minced or microplaned

    1 clove
  • dijon mustard
    1 tbsp
  • salt
    ½ tsp
  • black pepper
    ¼ tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients and whisk together until fully combined. Add additional salt/pepper to taste.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, add the pasta salad ingredients: cooked pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, cabbage, sweet onion, banana peppers, turkey, ham, salami, and provolone cheese.

  3. 3

    Pour the dressing over the pasta salad ingredients and toss gently to combine until the dressing evenly coats everything.

Grinder Pasta Salad

Grinder Pasta Salad

5.0(12)8 servings332 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 12 ratings

thebalancednutritionist.com
5.0(12 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving the bold, satisfying flavors of an Italian sub, but in a fresh, easy-to-eat format? This Grinder Pasta Salad transforms all your favorite deli counter ingredients into a vibrant, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy classic 'grinder' tastes without the bun, perfect for a casual dinner or a hearty lunch.

What sets this Grinder Pasta Salad apart is its clever approach to classic 'grinder' components. By incorporating a medley of chopped deli meats like turkey, ham, and pepperoni, with crisp vegetables and provolone cheese, all tossed in a lighter, creamy Greek yogurt-based dressing, you get all the beloved taste without the heavy feel. It’s a smart way to enjoy a comforting flavor profile with a fresh twist.

Prepare for a delightful mix of textures and bright, savory flavors. Each forkful offers a satisfying bite of al dente pasta, crunchy cucumber and cabbage, tangy banana peppers, and savory chopped meats, all coated in a zesty, creamy dressing. The combination of sweet onion, pungent garlic, and a hint of honey in the dressing perfectly balances the richness of the cheese and meats. This substantial dish yields 8 generous servings, making it ideal for gatherings, meal prep, or simply feeding a hungry family, with each serving providing 332 calories.

This recipe is incredibly adaptable to your pantry and preferences. Feel free to swap the deli turkey, ham, and pepperoni with other favorite Italian-style meats like salami or capicola. For a delicious vegetarian option, simply omit the meats and double up on the crisp vegetables, or add some canned chickpeas for extra protein. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes; rotini or bowtie pasta work beautifully to capture the dressing and other ingredients, and chickpea or whole wheat pasta are great for higher fiber.

This Grinder Pasta Salad is a fantastic choice for a no-fuss dinner, potlucks, picnics, or as a hearty make-ahead lunch. Serve it chilled for the best refreshing experience, making it a crowd-pleaser for any casual get-together.

Frequently Asked Questions