Grinder Style Pasta Salad – My Remix of the Viral Pasta Salad
Did you know that viral grinder salad that has taken over TikTok? We took the same bold, briny, crunchy flavours and turned it into a pasta salad that’s picnic ready, potluck-worthy, and totally addictive. This is the Grinder-Style Pasta Salad that is dreamy; loaded with Italian deli goodness, creamy dressing, and a pop of tang in every bite.
Why You’ll Love this Pasta Salad
Big Bold Flavour – Imagine a gigantic deli sandwich but its a pasta salad
Make Ahead – This travels well and tastes better the next day.
Aesthetically Chic – It’s colorful, textured, and looks amazing in a picnic bowl or mason jar.
Is This Recipe For You
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes (for pasta)
Servings: 6-8 as a side, 4 as a main
Occasions: Picnics and potlucks, Summer BBQ’s, Weekday lunches and Make ahead Entertaining.
What Do You Need
Fresh
- cherry tomatoes
- bocconcini
- cucumber
- red onion
- salami
- arugula/spinach
- parmesan cheese
- garlic
Pantry
- cooked pasta or orzo
- sun-dried tomatoes
- banana or cherry peppers
- mayo
- red wine vinegar
- Italian dressing
- balsamic vinegar
- flakey sea salt
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Serves
6
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 cups cooked pasta or orzo, cooled (al dente)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup bocconcini (mini mozzarella balls)
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 3 oz salami, chopped
- 1 handful arugula or baby spinach, roughly torn
- 1/3 cup finely chopped banana or cherry peppers
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing:
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped or grated
- 3 Tbsp mayo
- 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Drizzle of balsamic vinegar for finishing
- Flaky sea salt, to finish
Steps
1
Get Pasta Ready.
Cook your pasta to al dente, rinse under cold water, and let it cool completely
2
Combine Salad
In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, bocconcini, cucumber, red onion, salami, arugula, peppers, and Parmesan.
3
Make the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the garlic, mayo, red wine vinegar, and Italian dressing. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat every bite.
4
Finish the Salad
Drizzle balsamic vinegar and a generous sprinkle of flaky salt.
5
Chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours meld. Good luck not eating it right away.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Use Orzo if you’re serving this at a more elegant gathering – it’s dainty and adorable.
Add crushed croutons or garlic breadcrumbs on top for some crunch. Add right before serving.
Want it spicier? Add red pepper flakes or chopped Calabrian chili.
No Salami? That’s ok; sub in pepperoni, turkey or chickpeas for a veggie version.
FAQ
Can I make this in advance? Yes! It actually tastes better the next day. Just give it a stir and maybe a fresh of dressing before serving.
Is this good for picnics or lunches? It’s perfect. No wilting or sogginess. Just bold flavour that holds up.
Can I use different pasta shapes? Totally. Just avoid long noodles. Bowties, rotini, fusilli, or orzo are best.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 cups cooked pasta or orzo cooled (al dente)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup bocconcini mini mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 red onion finely diced
- 3 oz salami chopped
- 1 handful arugula or baby spinach roughly torn
- 1/3 cup finely chopped banana or cherry peppers
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing:
- 1 clove garlic finely chopped or grated
- 3 Tbsp mayo
- 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Drizzle of balsamic vinegar for finishing
- Flaky sea salt to finish
Instructions
Get Pasta Ready.
- Cook your pasta to al dente, rinse under cold water, and let it cool completely
Combine Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, bocconcini, cucumber, red onion, salami, arugula, peppers, and Parmesan.
Make the Dressing
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the garlic, mayo, red wine vinegar, and Italian dressing. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat every bite.
Finish the Salad
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar and a generous sprinkle of flaky salt.
Chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours meld. Good luck not eating it right away.
Nutrition
Join the Conversation
Have you seen the viral salad on TicToc? Let us know if you give this variation a go.
Explore More
Essentials for the Perfect Picnic: Elevated Options for Your Traditional Outdoor Gathering
