Italian Combo Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lbbow tie pasta
cooked in salted water and cooled
- ½ csalami
diced
- ½ cpepperoni
diced
- ½ cham
diced
- 8 ozfresh mozzarella pearls
drained from liquid
- ¼ cred onion
diced
- ½ cbanana peppers
sliced
- 2tbs olive oil
- 1 cparmesan cheese
freshly grated
- pepper to taste
- 1tbs italian seasoning
- 1 ¼ cmayonnaise
- 3tbs red wine vinegar
- 1tbs garlic powder
- 1tbs onion powder
- 1 tspred pepper flakes
- 1tbs italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- 1
In a large bowl, add the cooked and cooled pasta, chopped salami, ham, pepperoni, mozzarella pearls, red onion and banana peppers.
- 2
Drizzle the top with olive oil and toss everything together.
- 3
Add the Parmesan cheese, black pepper and Italian seasoning. Stir it all together.
- 4
In a separate bowl, mix together the ingredients for the dressing and pour it over the pasta salad.
- 5
Finally, toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the dressing. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and enjoy.
Italian Combo Pasta Salad
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About this Recipe
Craving a dish that's undeniably satisfying, packed with robust flavor, and perfect for any gathering? This Italian Combo Pasta Salad takes all the irresistible elements of your favorite deli sandwich and transforms them into a creamy, vibrant side dish that's sure to be the star of your summer spread.
What makes this pasta salad shine is its thoughtful combination of classic Italian deli meats and cheeses, all brought together by a lusciously creamy, tangy mayonnaise-based dressing. It expertly marries the savory depth of salami, pepperoni, and ham with the rich creaminess of fresh mozzarella pearls and a tangy, herby dressing. The balance of textures and bold flavors ensures every bite is exciting, setting it apart as a standout pasta salad.
Prepare your palate for a delightful journey. You'll encounter perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, tender yet substantial, generously enrobed in a velvety dressing seasoned with fragrant garlic powder, onion powder, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle warmth. Interspersed throughout are satisfying chunks of diced salami, pepperoni, and ham, providing a savory counterpoint to the milky fresh mozzarella. The crispness of red onion and the piquant tang of banana peppers add bright, refreshing notes, while a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese ties all these incredible elements together, creating a truly harmonious and indulgent experience. This isn't just a side; it's a celebration of bold Italian-inspired flavors.
This versatile salad welcomes your personal touch. If you prefer a vegetarian option, simply omit the meats and perhaps boost the vegetables with roasted red bell peppers or chickpeas. Don't have banana peppers? Cubed bell peppers or even a handful of chopped Kalamata olives can add a similar briny punch. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a dash of dried oregano or basil alongside the Italian seasoning in the dressing.
An absolute essential for warm-weather entertaining, this Italian Combo Pasta Salad is fantastic for potlucks, picnics, and backyard barbecues. Its hearty nature makes it an excellent companion to grilled chicken, burgers, or as a vibrant centerpiece at any casual get-together. It’s a dish designed to be shared and savored.