Classic Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
Classic Pasta Salad
Description
Classic Pasta Salad brings together tender pasta and savory cured meats like salami and pepperoni, complemented by varied cheeses such as cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella. Bell peppers and cherry tomatoes add fresh crunch and brightness. The dressing blends olive oil, mayonnaise, and red wine vinegar with garlic and oregano, creating a creamy yet zesty coating with a hint of heat from chili flakes. Combining these ingredients chilled allows flavors to meld and textures to maintain their distinct appeal. This salad works well as a side dish or a light meal on warm days, especially when prepared ahead and cooled.
The preparation involves cooking the pasta until just tender, chopping the meats, cheese, and vegetables, then blending the dressing smoothly in a food processor. Tossing all components together and refrigerating improves flavor integration and keeps the salad cool and crisp. It provides a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates.
Pasta shape choices include rotini, penne, or fusilli, all of which hold the dressing well. The recipe suggests using deli-sliced meats cut into chunks for better bite-size portions. This salad stores well for a few days refrigerated, making it convenient for make-ahead gatherings and lunches.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. pasta
- 4 ounces salami cut into chunks
- 4 ounces pepperoni
- 16 ounces cheese cheddar, white cheddar, pepper jack, or fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 1 to 2 red bell pepper diced
- 1 to 2 yellow bell pepper
- 1 to 2 orange bell pepper
- 1 pint cherry tomato sliced
- 1/4 red onion (finely diced)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
Pasta Salad Dressing:
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 garlic or 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder, cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large pot of water over high heat and bring to a boil. Generously salt the water. This will infuse the pasta with the salt and give it more flavor. Once the water is boiling, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Meanwhile, prepare the meats, cheese, and cut up the vegetables.
- Make the dressing in a food processor or blender by mixing the oil, mayonnaise, vinegar, garlic, dried oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper together until smooth.
- In a large bowl, toss the pasta with the vegetables. Add the dressing and fold in the meats and cheeses.
- Cover and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes.
Notes
- Choose thicker deli slices of salami and pepperoni to cut into chunks for better texture.
- Various pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, penne, or farfalle all work well to hold the dressing.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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