Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
A vibrant pasta salad infused with fresh vegetables, turkey, and pepperoni, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta Salads Base
- 8 ounces pasta (bowtie or rotini)
- 1 cup cooked turkey, diced
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 can beans (15 ounces), rinsed and drained such as kidney or garbanzo
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Dressing and Seasoning
- 1 cup creamy Italian dressing
- to taste Salt and pepper
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced turkey, and pepperoni slices.
- Add the rinsed beans, mozzarella cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion.
- Pour in the creamy Italian dressing and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a flavor boost, add a dash of lemon juice. Customize with seasonal vegetables like zucchini or olives.