Nothing says summer quite like a big bowl of pasta salad. But the version we have for you today is not your momma’s pasta salad (no offense to Mom, we love her version too!). This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad recipe packs a punch with all the ingredients of a beloved Italian Grinder, tossed together with hearty cavatappi pasta, it truly is a masterpiece. Rest assured, a bowl of this stuff will sustain you through a full afternoon of summer fun!

Start by cooking a box of cavatappi pasta (or your favorite pasta shape) until it’s just al dente. You’ll then let it cool down to room temperature while you prep the rest of the salad ingredients. Chop up some crisp romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, provolone cheese, salami, and deli-style turkey. A handful of sliced pepperoncini peppers are thrown in for a little extra spice and your salad is ready for the dressing.

In the style of an Italian grinder, the dressing is made with a base of mayo and red wine vinegar. Garlic, Italian seasoning, and dijon round out the flavor for the perfect balance of creamy and tangy. Pour the dressing over the salad and give it a good toss! I recommend chilling the finished salad for about 30 minutes before serving to really let those flavors meld. Try out this recipe for your next summer get-together and I know it will be a hit!