Cozy Grinder Pasta Salad
A delightful pasta salad inspired by Italian sandwiches, perfect for gatherings or picnics, combining deli meats, cheese, and fresh veggies in a quick and easy dish.
Ingredients
Pasta and Dressings
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
Deli Meats and Cheese
- 1 cup deli meats (salami, pepperoni, ham)
- 1 cup cheese (mozzarella or provolone), cubed
Fresh Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup olives (black or green), sliced
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional) Optional garnish for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, deli meats, cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss to combine, ensuring every morsel is coated in flavor.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
This salad can be customized with your favorite ingredients. It tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSodium: 490mgSugar: 3g
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