Description
Italian Chop Pasta Salad is a vibrant and savory dish perfect for any occasion. It combines al dente pasta with a variety of cured meats, cheeses, fresh vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing, offering a flavorful and filling meal that can be served warm or chilled.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Dressing
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic or red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chili flakes to taste
Salad
- 1 pound short-cut pasta
- 6 ounces thinly sliced salami
- 3 ounces chopped pepperoni
- 1 cup mini mozzarella cheese balls
- 1 cup cubed provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup shaved parmesan cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mixed pitted olives, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Make the dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients in a glass jar. Whisk vigorously until smooth and well combined. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes according to taste.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the hot cooked pasta with the dressing until evenly coated. Add the sliced salami, chopped pepperoni, mozzarella balls, cubed provolone, shaved parmesan, cherry tomatoes, chopped olives, chopped red bell pepper, sliced sun-dried tomatoes, sliced pepperoncini, and torn basil leaves. Toss everything gently to combine well.
- Serve: You can serve the pasta salad immediately while warm or refrigerate for about 1-2 hours to serve cold. Toss again before serving if chilled.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your spice preference.
- This salad can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meats and add more vegetables or plant-based cheeses.
- Using freshly chopped herbs enhances the flavor significantly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
