Ultimate Deli-Style Pasta Salad
This Ultimate Deli-Style Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of vibrant colors and flavors, making it a perfect dish for gatherings, picnics, or simply as a refreshing meal any time of the year. The combination of tri-color spiral pasta, savory salami, and creamy provolone cheese creates a hearty base, while the crisp vegetables add a refreshing crunch. With a zesty dressing that can be adjusted to your taste, this pasta salad embodies the essence of a classic deli dish. Letting it chill for 8 to 24 hours ensures that the flavors meld beautifully, and the richness of the salami really shines through. A fantastic and versatile recipe, it can also be adapted with feta cheese for a delightful twist!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
tri-color spiral pasta
1 (7-ounce package)
hard salami
6 (ounces, thinly sliced)
provolone cheese
6 (ounces, cubed)
ripe olives
2 1/4 (ounces, sliced and drained)
red onion
1 (small, thinly sliced)
zucchini
1 (small, halved and thinly sliced)
green bell pepper
1/4 (cup, chopped)
red bell pepper
1/4 (cup, chopped)
fresh parsley
1/4 (cup, minced)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 (cup, grated)
olive oil or vegetable oil
1/2 (cup)
cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
1/4 (cup)
garlic powder
1/4 (teaspoon (or to taste))
prepared mustard or mustard powder
1 1/2 (teaspoons)
dried basil
1 (teaspoon)
dried oregano
1 (teaspoon (or to taste))
salt and pepper
to taste
sugar (optional)
2-4 (teaspoons)
Instructions
1
Cook the tri-color spiral pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2
Transfer the cooled pasta into a large mixing bowl.
3
Drizzle the pasta with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking and help absorb the flavors.
4
Add the hard salami, provolone cheese, olives, red onion, zucchini, green and red bell peppers, fresh parsley, and Parmesan cheese to the bowl with the pasta. Gently toss all the ingredients to combine.
5
In a separate jar, mix together the olive oil (or vegetable oil), cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar), garlic powder, prepared mustard, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously until well combined.
6
Taste the dressing; if it's too tangy, add 2-4 teaspoons of sugar to balance the acidity. Shake again to combine.
7
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are nicely coated.
8
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, ideally overnight for the best flavor development.
9
Before serving, give the salad a light toss to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Deli-Style Pasta Salad?
It is a flavorful blend of tri-color spiral pasta, savory hard salami, provolone cheese, and crisp vegetables tossed in a zesty homemade dressing.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 7-ounce package of tri-color spiral pasta.
How should I prepare the pasta?
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
What is the purpose of drizzling olive oil on the cooked pasta?
Drizzling 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil on the pasta helps prevent it from sticking and aids in absorbing the dressing's flavors.
What protein is included in this salad?
The recipe includes 6 ounces of thinly sliced hard salami.
What type of cheese is used in the salad?
The salad uses 6 ounces of cubed provolone cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I substitute the provolone cheese?
Yes, the recipe suggests that feta cheese can be used as a delightful alternative to provolone.
What vegetables are included in this pasta salad?
The salad features ripe olives, red onion, zucchini, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
The zucchini should be small, halved, and thinly sliced.
What goes into the salad dressing?
The dressing is made from olive or vegetable oil, cider or red wine vinegar, garlic powder, mustard, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
What kind of vinegar can I use?
You can use either cider vinegar or red wine vinegar depending on your preference.
How do I mix the dressing?
Combine the dressing ingredients in a jar, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously until well blended.
What if the dressing tastes too tangy?
If the dressing is too acidic, you can add 2-4 teaspoons of sugar to balance the flavor.
How long should the salad refrigerate before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 8 hours, though 24 hours is ideal for the best flavor development.
Is this recipe good for gatherings?
Yes, its vibrant colors and make-ahead nature make it perfect for picnics, potlucks, and parties.
Can I use mustard powder instead of prepared mustard?
Yes, the recipe allows for either prepared mustard or mustard powder.
What fresh herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of minced fresh parsley.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 18 ingredients in total, including the optional sugar.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, you can simply omit the hard salami and perhaps add more vegetables or beans.
What should I do right before serving the salad?
Give the salad a light toss to redistribute the dressing and ensure the flavors are well mixed.
Is this a cold or warm pasta dish?
This is a cold pasta salad that is best served chilled.
How do I ensure the pasta doesn't get mushy?
Rinsing the pasta under cold water immediately after draining stops the cooking process and keeps it firm.
Can I use different types of olives?
The recipe specifies sliced and drained ripe olives, but you can experiment with other varieties if desired.
How much bell pepper is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup each of chopped green and red bell peppers.
What is the preparation for the red onion?
One small red onion should be thinly sliced.
Is the garlic fresh or powdered?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, or to taste.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, the recipe uses dried basil and dried oregano for the dressing.
What is the total preparation time?
While the active prep time is short, the salad requires 8 to 24 hours of chilling time.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Does this recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to the dressing to taste.