Name: Italian Grinder Pasta Salad – Creamy, Flavor-Packed Perfection
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound dried campanelle pasta; 8 ounces mozzarella pearls; 6 ounces provolone cheese, diced; 2½ ounces hard turkey slices, diced; 2½ ounces turkey pepperoni, diced; 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes; 1 cup sliced red onion (soaked in ice water); ½ cup sliced pepperoncini; ½ head romaine lettuce, thinly sliced; 3/4 cup mayonnaise (light); 2 tablespoons red apple vinegar; 1 to 2 cloves fresh garlic, grated; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; Fresh basil and grated parmesan for garnish

Description

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavor-packed dish that combines hearty turkey, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, making it perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight meals. This vibrant salad features cooked pasta tossed with mozzarella pearls, provolone cheese, and zesty pepperoncini, creating a delightful taste experience in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound dried campanelle pasta
8 ounces mozzarella pearls
6 ounces provolone cheese, diced
2½ ounces hard turkey slices, diced
2½ ounces turkey pepperoni, diced
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
1 cup sliced red onion (soaked in ice water)
½ cup sliced pepperoncini
½ head romaine lettuce, thinly sliced
3/4 cup mayonnaise (light)
2 tablespoons red apple vinegar
1 to 2 cloves fresh garlic, grated
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Fresh basil and grated parmesan for garnish

Instructions

Cook the pasta per package instructions; drain and rinse under cold water until cool.
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, garlic, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with mozzarella pearls, provolone cheese, turkey slices, turkey pepperoni, cherry tomatoes, drained onions, pepperoncini, romaine lettuce, and fresh basil.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
Top with freshly grated parmesan before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 420
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors. Feel free to customize by adding extra veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers. Substitute different types of pasta such as fusilli or rotini for varied texture.