Mediterranean Salami Rotini Salad
This Mediterranean Salami Rotini Salad is a vibrant and hearty dish that's perfect for summer gatherings or packed lunches. Bursting with colorful vegetables and the rich flavor of spicy salami, this pasta salad is both refreshing and satisfying. Tossed in a zesty Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette, it's a clever twist on traditional pasta salads that skips the creaminess, making it light and ideal for warm weather. The combination of crunchy broccoli, sweet grape tomatoes, and colorful bell peppers provides a delightful texture, while the optional black olives add an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy it chilled and keep it safe at outdoor picnics!
16
Servings
200
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Vidalia onion
1 cup (diced)
garlic cloves
2 large (minced)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (none)
broccoli florets
3 cups (none)
red bell pepper
1 (cut into 3/4-inch pieces)
zucchini
1 (cut into 3/4-inch cubes)
dry white wine
1/4 cup (none)
spicy salami
3/4 lb (cut into 3/4-inch cubes)
grape tomatoes
1 pint (halved)
vegetable rotini pasta
1 lb (cooked)
salt
1 tablespoon (for boiling water)
black olives
1/4 cup (drained and chopped (optional))
Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette
1/2 cup (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced Vidalia onion, minced garlic, and garlic powder. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2
2. Stir in the broccoli florets, red bell pepper, zucchini, and dry white wine. Continue to sauté until the vegetables are just tender, approximately 4 minutes.
3
3. Add the cubed spicy salami and halved grape tomatoes to the skillet, tossing until they are heated through, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.
4
4. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the vegetable rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the bowl with the vegetable and salami mixture.
5
5. If using, gently fold in the drained chopped black olives. Drizzle the Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette over the salad and stir well to combine. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
6
6. Allow the salad to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. Serve chilled.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
16g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Salami Rotini Salad?
It is a vibrant and hearty pasta salad featuring vegetable rotini, spicy salami, and a variety of colorful vegetables tossed in a Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 16 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in this salad?
The main ingredients include vegetable rotini pasta, spicy salami, broccoli florets, red bell pepper, zucchini, grape tomatoes, and Vidalia onion.
What type of dressing is used for the Mediterranean Salami Rotini Salad?
The salad is dressed with a Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette, which can be store-bought or homemade.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 13 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does a serving provide?
Each serving provides 5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 16 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of salami should be used?
The recipe calls for 3/4 lb of spicy salami, cut into 3/4-inch cubes.
Are there any optional ingredients?
Yes, drained and chopped black olives are an optional addition to the salad.
How should the vegetables be prepared?
The onion should be diced, the red bell pepper cut into 3/4-inch pieces, the zucchini cubed, and the grape tomatoes halved.
Does the recipe use wine?
Yes, 1/4 cup of dry white wine is used to sauté the vegetables.
How long should the salad be refrigerated?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Is the pasta cooked before being added to the mix?
Yes, the vegetable rotini should be cooked to al dente in salted water and drained before mixing.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends using a Vidalia onion for its sweet flavor.
Can this salad be served warm?
While the components are heated during preparation, the salad is intended to be served chilled.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 large garlic cloves, minced, plus an additional teaspoon of garlic powder.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 14 ingredients in total used in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for outdoor events?
Yes, it is ideal for picnics and summer gatherings because it uses a vinaigrette rather than a cream-based dressing.
What is the texture of the vegetables after cooking?
The vegetables are sautéed until they are just tender, providing a delightful crunch to the salad.
What is the serving size?
The serving size is not specified in measurements, but the recipe is designed to be divided into 16 portions.
How much olive oil is used?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used to sauté the onion and garlic.
Should the pasta be rinsed after boiling?
The instructions recommend draining the pasta and immediately adding it to the vegetable and salami mixture.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of salt is used for the pasta water, and additional salt can be added to taste at the end.
What kind of tomatoes work best?
The recipe calls for one pint of grape tomatoes, halved.
How much broccoli is included?
The recipe uses 3 cups of broccoli florets.
Is this a vegetarian recipe?
No, this recipe contains salami. To make it vegetarian, you would need to omit the salami.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta salad, mediterranean, salami, veggie-packed, light dish, cold salad, summer recipe, and picnic food.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while vegetable rotini is suggested for color and flavor, other rotini or short pasta shapes would work.
How do you enhance the flavors of the salad?
Flavor is enhanced by allowing the salad to cool and then refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes.