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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Bold Italian flavors meet hearty pasta and crisp veggies in a creamy, garlicky dressing. Packed with halal-friendly meats, tangy peppers, and parmesan for a vibrant salad perfect for barbecues or meals.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 400kcal
Author: Samantha Jones

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces uncooked rotini pasta or pasta of choice
  • 1½ cups chopped romaine lettuce or iceberg lettuce
  • 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
  • 1 cup chopped halal salami substitute
  • 1 cup chopped halal pepperoni substitute
  • 1 cup chopped halal deli turkey substitute
  • 1 cup chopped provolone cheese
  • ½ cup sliced red onion
  • ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
  • Red pepper flakes (optional for garnish)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (non-alcoholic vinegar alternative)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 3 tablespoons pepperoncini liquid
  • ½ cup grated halal parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes.
  • Drain and cool: Drain the cooked pasta in a strainer. Rinse thoroughly under cold water to halt cooking and cool. Drain well and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  • Prepare the salad base: Add chopped romaine lettuce, halved grape tomatoes, halal substitute salami, halal substitute pepperoni, halal turki substitute, provolone cheese, red onion, and pepperoncini peppers to the pasta bowl. Gently toss to combine.
  • Make the dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar (non-alcoholic), salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and pepperoncini liquid.
  • Toss and refrigerate: Add the dressing to the salad. Toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
  • Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with halal parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (optional) before serving.

Notes

Use a non-dairy alternative to parmesan if lactose-free
Replace halal substitute meats with plant-based meatballs or grilled chicken (not pork)
Add fresh basil or parsley for extra freshness