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Flavorful Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe with Italian Meats and Provolone Perfect for Summer Parties

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A vibrant, zesty pasta salad packed with Italian meats, provolone cheese, and fresh vegetables, perfect for summer parties and potlucks. This salad combines tangy dressing with savory meats and creamy cheese for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini or gemelli pasta
  • 4 oz sliced pepperoni, diced
  • 4 oz Genoa salami, diced
  • 4 oz capicola, diced
  • 6 oz provolone cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion (optional)
  • 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz rotini pasta and cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Shake gently to remove excess water.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Dice the pepperoni, salami, capicola, and provolone cheese into small, bite-sized cubes.
  5. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice olives, dice red onion and green bell pepper, and chop fresh parsley.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced meats, cheese, vegetables, and parsley. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Stir once or twice during chilling.
  8. Before serving, toss the salad again and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. Add a splash of olive oil if the salad seems dry.

Notes

Rinsing pasta under cold water stops cooking and prevents mushiness. Use freshly sliced Italian meats for best flavor. Emulsify dressing well for smooth vinaigrette. Chill salad for at least 1 hour to deepen flavors. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use vegan provolone. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, Italian meats, provolone, summer party recipe, easy pasta salad, deli meats, rotini pasta salad, cold pasta salad