Mediterranean Muffuletta Pasta Salad
This vibrant Mediterranean Muffuletta Pasta Salad combines the bold flavors of Italian deli meats, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy olive mix to create a refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings. Tossed with rotini pasta and dressed in a zesty homemade red wine vinaigrette, this salad is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Ideal as a side dish or a light main course, it can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight. Serve it alongside crusty Italian breadsticks for a complete meal experience that everyone will love!
8
Servings
300
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rotini pasta
1 lb (cooked in salted water until al dente)
Ham
1/4 lb (finely diced)
Genoa salami
1/4 lb (sliced into thin strips)
Mozzarella cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Mixed olives and giardinara
1 (14-ounce) jar (drained)
Red wine vinaigrette
to taste (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
1
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook for about 8 minutes or until al dente. Drain the pasta and transfer to a shallow bowl to cool slightly.
2
Once the pasta has cooled, add the jar of mixed olives and giardinara to the bowl. If you can't find a Muffuletta mix, a combination of crushed olives and finely chopped giardinara in oil works perfectly.
3
Next, incorporate the diced ham, sliced Genoa salami, and shredded mozzarella cheese into the pasta mixture. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
4
If the salad appears too dry, gradually drizzle in your choice of red wine vinaigrette, mixing until the pasta salad reaches your desired level of moisture.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad overnight to allow the flavors to develop and meld together.
6
When ready to serve, give the salad a quick stir and present it alongside some crusty Italian breadsticks for a delightful summer side dish.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
30g
Carbs
8.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Muffuletta Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant dish that combines Italian deli meats, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy olive mix with rotini pasta and red wine vinaigrette.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of rotini pasta.
How long should the pasta be cooked?
The pasta should be boiled in salted water for about 8 minutes or until it reaches an al dente texture.
What meats are included in the Mediterranean Muffuletta Pasta Salad?
The salad includes 1/4 lb of finely diced ham and 1/4 lb of Genoa salami sliced into thin strips.
What type of cheese is used?
One cup of shredded mozzarella cheese is used in this recipe.
What is the key flavor component of the Muffuletta mix?
The key flavor comes from a 14-ounce jar of mixed olives and giardinara.
How do I prepare the olive mix if I cannot find a pre-made Muffuletta jar?
You can use a combination of crushed olives and finely chopped giardinara in oil as a substitute.
What kind of dressing is recommended for this salad?
A zesty homemade or store-bought red wine vinaigrette is recommended.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
Can I make this pasta salad in advance?
Yes, it is ideal to make this salad ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight to let the flavors meld.
What should I do if the pasta salad appears too dry?
You should gradually drizzle in more red wine vinaigrette until it reaches your desired level of moisture.
What are the calorie counts for a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There is 8.75g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in one serving of this salad?
There is 15g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 30g of carbohydrates.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer picnic?
Yes, it is categorized as a summer dish and is perfect for gatherings and picnics.
What side dish pairs well with this pasta salad?
It is best served alongside crusty Italian breadsticks.
Should the pasta be cooled before adding other ingredients?
Yes, after draining, the pasta should be transferred to a shallow bowl to cool slightly before mixing.
What is the total number of ingredients required?
There are 6 main ingredients: rotini, ham, salami, mozzarella, olive mix, and red wine vinaigrette.
What type of salami should I buy?
Genoa salami is specified for this recipe.
How is the ham prepared for the salad?
The ham should be finely diced.
How is the Genoa salami prepared?
The salami should be sliced into thin strips.
What is the suggested category for this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Summer dishes.
Does this salad contain fiber or sugar data?
The provided nutritional information does not specify fiber or sugar content.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta salad, summer dish, italian cuisine, make-ahead, and picnic food.
How do I store the leftovers?
The salad should be covered with plastic wrap and kept in the refrigerator.
What is the primary flavor profile?
It features Mediterranean flavors with a tangy and zesty profile.
Is the mozzarella shredded or diced?
The recipe calls for shredded mozzarella cheese.
Can this be a main course?
Yes, it is suitable as either a side dish or a light main course.
Is the red wine vinaigrette measurements exact?
No, the vinaigrette is added to taste depending on the desired moisture level.