Colorful Italian Deli Pasta Salad

Deli-Style Pasta Salad 🥗

Introduction

Dive into the delicious world of deli-style cuisine with this vibrant and flavorful Deli-Style Pasta Salad recipe. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a potluck gathering, a summer picnic, or simply a weekday lunch, this salad offers a tantalizing combination of tri-color spiral pasta, savory salami, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a zesty dressing. With a hint of sweetness and a burst of tanginess, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a convenient option for busy days.

Recipe Overview

• Name: Deli-Style Pasta Salad
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4-6

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delectable pasta salad:

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the tri-color spiral pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse it in cold water and drain thoroughly.

2. Prepare the Salad Base: Transfer the cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl. Optionally, toss the pasta with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking and drying out.

3. Combine Ingredients: Add the sliced provolone cheese, ripe olives, thinly sliced red onion, diced zucchini, diced green bell pepper, diced red bell pepper, chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and diced salami to the bowl with the pasta. Gently toss to combine all the ingredients evenly.

4. Prepare the Dressing: In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, prepared mustard, mustard powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the ingredients are well combined.

5. Adjust Sweetness: Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness according to your preference by adding sugar, starting with 2 teaspoons and adding more if desired. Shake the jar again to mix in the sugar.

6. Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad in the bowl. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.

7. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. For best results, chill overnight.

8. Serve: Before serving, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing. Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing flavors of this deli-style pasta salad.

Tips and Variations

• Make it Vegetarian: Skip the salami and add in your favorite vegetarian protein such as chickpeas or marinated tofu.
• Add Feta Cheese: For a twist, substitute feta cheese for the Parmesan cheese to add a tangy kick to the salad.
• Double the Dressing: If you prefer a more generously dressed salad, double the dressing ingredients to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.
• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetable mix based on your preferences or what’s in season. Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or artichoke hearts would also make delightful additions.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair this salad with some crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 272.9
• Total Fat: 18.4g
  • Saturated Fat: 5.4g
• Cholesterol: 18mg
• Sodium: 339.9mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 17.8g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1.4g
  • Sugar: 1.3g
• Protein: 9.3g

Final Thoughts

With its colorful array of ingredients and irresistible flavor profile, this Deli-Style Pasta Salad is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed as a light meal on its own, it’s a versatile dish that’s bound to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Prepare a batch for your next gathering or simply whip it up for a quick and satisfying meal any day of the week. Enjoy! 🍽️