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Grinder Pasta Salad

Grinder Pasta Salad – A Refreshing Twist for Summer Picnics

Grinder Pasta Salad is a delightful, customizable, and refreshing dish perfect for summer picnics, featuring a mix of veggies and flavorful dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Pasta Any shape works; gluten-free is an option.
For the Vegetables
  • 2 cups Lettuce Finely shredded.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved.
  • 1 cup Cucumber Finely chopped.
  • ½ cup Green Olives Sliced; black olives can be used.
  • ½ cup Pepperoncini Optional.
For the Protein
  • 1 cup Salami Diced; can substitute with tofu or chickpeas.
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Non-dairy cheese can be used.
For the Dressing
  • ¼ cup Olive Juice
  • ¾ cup Mayonnaise Vegan mayo can be used.
  • 2 tbsp Honey Dijon Mustard Regular Dijon can be substituted.
  • 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
  • ½ tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
  • ½ tsp Pepper Adjust to taste.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Measuring cup
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Colander
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add pasta and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and cool under cold water.
  2. In a mixing bowl, add shredded lettuce, halved tomatoes, chopped cucumber, diced salami, sliced olives, and pepperoncini. Mix gently.
  3. Combine mayonnaise, honey Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a measuring cup. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Once the pasta is cooled, add to the mixing bowl with veggies and salami. Pour dressing over and fold gently until coated.
  5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 14gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For best results, cool pasta completely before mixing to avoid wilting veggies. Adjust seasoning to taste and add fresh toppings before serving.

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