Grinder Salad Pasta (Viral TikTok Recipe)

Tweet
Share
Pin
Share

Grinder salad pasta combines the flavors of an Italian sub sandwich — salami, pepperoni, provolone, and tangy vinaigrette — with pasta for a cold salad that’s perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or summer dinners.

This version takes the viral TikTok grinder salad and turns it into a satisfying pasta dish.

Why You’ll Love It

  • No cooking required beyond boiling pasta
  • Tastes better the longer it sits
  • Perfect for picnics, BBQs, and potlucks
  • Highly customizable to your favorite sub toppings
  • Serves well cold or at room temperature

Ingredients

For the pasta salad:

  • 1 lb rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 4 oz Genoa salami, diced or cut into strips
  • 4 oz pepperoni, diced or quartered
  • 4 oz provolone cheese, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded
  • 1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced (plus 2 tablespoons brine)
  • 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)

For the grinder dressing:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons pepperoncini brine (from the jar)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Steps

  1. Cook the pasta in well-salted water according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down completely.
  3. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
  4. While the pasta cools, make the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, pepperoncini brine, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
  5. Add the salami, pepperoni, provolone, cherry tomatoes, red onion, pepperoncini peppers, and olives (if using) to the pasta.
  6. Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss everything together until evenly coated.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning — it may need more salt or a splash more vinegar.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  9. Just before serving, add the shredded iceberg lettuce and toss gently.
  10. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Helpful Tips & Substitutions

Add the lettuce last. Shredded iceberg gets soggy quickly, so toss it in right before serving to keep that satisfying crunch.

Pasta shape matters. Rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi work best because the dressing clings to the grooves.

Rinse the pasta. This is one of the few times rinsing pasta is correct — you want it cold and not sticky.

Meat substitutes. Use capicola, mortadella, or turkey deli meat if you want to change it up.

Cheese options. Fresh mozzarella pearls or sharp cheddar cubes also work well.

Make it spicier. Add more pepperoncini, a diced fresh jalapeño, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing.

Keep extra dressing on hand. Pasta salads absorb dressing as they sit — make a half batch extra and add it before serving if the salad looks dry.

Use a dressing shaker bottle to quickly emulsify the dressing.

Serving Ideas

Serve grinder salad pasta as a main dish for lunch or a hearty side at cookouts.

It pairs well with grilled chicken, burgers, or Italian sausages.

For a party spread, serve it alongside chips, veggie trays, and crusty bread.

Portion it into individual meal prep containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Refrigerator: Store without the lettuce for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Before serving leftovers: Toss with a splash of red wine vinegar and a drizzle of olive oil to refresh the dressing.

Add lettuce fresh each time. Only mix in the shredded iceberg right before eating.

Make-ahead for events: Prep everything except the lettuce up to 24 hours in advance — the flavors actually improve overnight.

Not recommended for freezing. The vegetables and mayonnaise-based dressing don’t freeze well.

Worth the Hype

This recipe went viral for a reason — it delivers all the satisfaction of an Italian sub in pasta salad form.

The tangy, creamy dressing ties everything together, and the variety of textures keeps every bite interesting.

Make it once for a summer party and you’ll be asked to bring it to every gathering after.

Similar Posts