Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

from thecountrycook.net
130 min
6 servings

This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad has all the delicious flavors and textures of an Italian Grinder with only a few minutes of work!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/3 cups mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon of peperoncini pepper juice from the jar
  • marinade oil leftover from the marinated mozzarella balls ((use all the oil from both containers))
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes ((optional))
  • 1 pound rotini pasta (cooked until al dente)
  • 2 (8 ounce) containers marinated mozzarella cheese balls in oil (sliced into quarters)
  • 5-6 peperoncini peppers (sliced in rings)
  • 10 ounce container cherry tomatoes (cut in half) ((or cut in quarters depending on how large they are))
  • 1 cup pickled red onion
  • 10 slices deli Genoa salami (cut into chunks)
  • 8 slices deli ham (cut into chunks)
  • 20 slices pepperoni (cut into quarters)
  • 1/2 head lettuce (shredded)

Directions

  1. 1

    In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/3 cups mayonnaise, 1/3 cup red wine vinegar, 1 Tablespoon of peperoncini pepper juice from the jar, marinade oil leftover from the marinated mozzarella balls, 1/2 teaspoon fresh black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using) until smooth. Set aside.

  2. 2

    In a separate very large bowl, add in 1 pound rotini pasta (cooked until al dente); 2 (8 ounce) containers marinated mozzarella cheese balls in oil (sliced into quarters); 5-6 peperoncini peppers (sliced in rings); 10 ounce container cherry tomatoes (cut in half); 1 cup pickled red onion; 10 slices deli Genoa salami (cut into chunks); 8 slices deli ham (cut into chunks) and 20 slices pepperoni (cut into quarters) (hold off on the lettuce for now).

  3. 3

    Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently stir until combined well.

  4. 4

    Place a lid on the container or cover with plastic wrap and allow it to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours. This will allow the flavors to really combine and meld together.

  5. 5

    Then, when ready to serve, gently stir in 1/2 head lettuce (shredded).