Grinder Pasta Salad is a creamy Italian-American side dish combining radiatore pasta, pepperoni, mozzarella pearls, and a tangy pepperoncini-mayo dressing. It's a make-ahead crowd-pleaser that tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
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Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and allow to cool.
To make the vinaigrette, combine red wine vinegar, olive oil, pepperoncini juice, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and the Italian dressing mix in a mason jar.
Seal the jar and shake vigorously until the vinaigrette is well combined.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced pepperoni, mozzarella pearls, and chopped marinated artichoke hearts.
Season the salad ingredients with salt and black pepper to your taste.
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the mayonnaise and half of the prepared vinaigrette until smooth. Reserve the other half of the vinaigrette.
Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta salad.
Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh parsley, additional grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and sliced pepperoncini.
Just before serving, drizzle with some of the reserved vinaigrette.
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Stir in extra olive oil or mayo if it dries out. Do not freeze.
Yes. Assemble it 4-6 hours or up to 1 day ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen as it sits. Stir before serving.
Radiatore is ideal because its ridged, tubular shape traps the creamy dressing. Short pastas like rotini, penne, or fusilli are good substitutes.
Don't skimp on the dressing. The mayo and olive oil keep it creamy. If it dries out after a day, whisk in 1-2 tbsp olive oil or mayo before serving.
Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) work well. Avoid shredded mozzarella, which becomes clumpy. Add it just before serving to prevent it from breaking down.
Only if you use gluten-free pasta. Check that your Italian dressing mix packet is certified gluten-free, as some brands contain gluten.
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