Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying salad that brings together a variety of textures and flavors, this pasta salad recipe is the perfect choice. Featuring rotini pasta tossed with a creamy dressing and an assortment of fresh vegetables and meats, it’s ideal for potlucks, picnics, or as a hearty meal on its own.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Pasta:
12 ounces rotini pasta
Dressing:
1¼ cups mayonnaise
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
½ tablespoon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Salad:
½ head iceberg lettuce, finely shredded
6 ounces mozzarella pearls
20 slices pepperoni, halved
10 slices deli ham, chopped
10 slices salami, quartered
6 slices provolone, chopped
5 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
½ medium red onion, diced
6 pepperoncini peppers, sliced
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
2 hours and 30 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield
Serves approximately 8-10 people
This refreshing pasta salad can be made in a few simple steps and is sure to please any crowd. Enjoy it as a side dish or main course!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Boil the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool.
Prepare the Dressing
In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1¼ cups of mayonnaise, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, ½ tablespoon of Italian seasoning, ½ tablespoon of mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well incorporated and smooth.
Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, ½ head of finely shredded iceberg lettuce, 6 ounces of mozzarella pearls, 20 halved slices of pepperoni, 10 chopped slices of deli ham, 10 quartered slices of salami, 6 chopped slices of provolone, 5 halved cherry tomatoes, ½ diced medium red onion, and 6 sliced pepperoncini peppers.
Combine with Dressing
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss all components together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Chill
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for approximately 2 hours, or until the salad is well chilled.
Serve
Once the salad is chilled, serve it in individual bowls and enjoy your delicious pasta salad.
Notes
Customization
Feel free to customize the salad by adding or substituting other ingredients such as different cheeses, vegetables, or proteins based on your preference.
Storage
If there are leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pasta may absorb some dressing, so consider adding a little extra dressing before serving leftovers if necessary.
Serving Suggestion
This pasta salad can be served as a side dish at barbecues, picnics, or as a light main course. It pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh garden salad.
Cook techniques
Cooking Pasta
Boil the rotini pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until it reaches the al dente stage. This ensures the pasta retains a slight firmness.
Rinsing Pasta
After draining the pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.
Mixing the Dressing
In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Assembling the Salad
In a large bowl, layer the cooked pasta with fresh ingredients including shredded lettuce, mozzarella pearls, pepperoni, ham, salami, provolone, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pepperoncini.
Tossing the Salad
Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together to ensure every piece is coated evenly.
Chilling the Salad
Cover the assembled salad and refrigerate for about 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
Serving the Salad
Once chilled, serve the salad in individual portions or in the large bowl, promoting enjoyment of the fresh flavors.
FAQ
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute rotini with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni, depending on your preference.
How long can I store the salad?
You can store the salad in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the texture may change as the greens wilt.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots for added crunch and nutrition.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is great for meal prep. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the meats like pepperoni, ham, and salami, and replace them with additional vegetables or chickpeas for protein.
Conclusion
This delicious pasta salad offers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or a refreshing meal. The creamy dressing enhances the freshness of the ingredients, while the variety of meats and cheeses provide a hearty touch. Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that everyone will enjoy.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Pasta Salad
Replace the meats with an array of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumbers, and olives. Enhance flavor with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Mexican-Inspired Pasta Salad
Incorporate black beans, corn, diced avocado, and cherry tomatoes. Use a cilantro-lime dressing for a zesty twist.
Greek Pasta Salad
Add diced cucumbers, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Dress with olive oil and lemon juice for a classic Greek flavor profile.
Pesto Pasta Salad
Toss cooked pasta with basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and roasted pine nuts for an aromatic and flavorful salad.
Chickpea and Spinach Salad
Mix chickpeas and fresh spinach with the original dressing, and add sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture. This makes for a protein-packed option.
Tuna Pasta Salad
Mix in canned tuna and chopped celery for a protein-rich and filling version. Add a squeeze of lemon for extra freshness.
Asian Noodle Salad
Substitute the pasta for soba noodles and incorporate shredded carrots, edamame, and sesame dressing for a delightful Asian twist.
