Grinder Pasta Salad – A Flavor-Packed Twist on the Viral TikTok Sandwich

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Take everything you love about the viral Italian Grinder Sandwich — creamy dressing, tangy pickled flavors, savory deli meats, and fresh veggies — and turn it into the ultimate Grinder Pasta Salad. This recipe has all the bold flavors of the classic grinder but with a cold, refreshing pasta salad twist, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or easy lunches.

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Why You’ll Love This Grinder Pasta Salad

  • TikTok-Inspired Favorite – A pasta salad version of the viral grinder sub.
  • Packed with Flavor – Creamy, tangy, savory, and fresh in every bite.
  • Easy to Make Ahead – Perfect for meal prep or gatherings.
  • Customizable – Swap meats, cheeses, or pasta shapes to your liking.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

  • 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup sliced red onion
  • ½ cup sliced banana peppers
  • ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • ½ lb deli turkey, ham, or salami, chopped
  • ½ lb provolone or mozzarella cheese, cubed

For the Grinder Dressing:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta – Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
  2. Make the Dressing – In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until creamy.
  3. Assemble the Salad – In a large bowl, combine pasta, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, banana peppers, olives, deli meats, and cheese.
  4. Toss & Chill – Pour dressing over the salad, toss to coat evenly, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Grinder Pasta Salad

  • Serve Cold – This salad tastes best after chilling.
  • Meal Prep Friendly – Keep lettuce separate until just before serving to avoid sogginess.
  • Add a Kick – Extra banana peppers or jalapeños make it spicier.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add extra dressing if needed before serving.

This Grinder Pasta Salad is creamy, zesty, and loaded with texture — the perfect mash-up of pasta salad and a classic Italian grinder sub! 🥗🍝

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