Picnic Marinated Italian Pasta Salad
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus refrigeration)
Servings: 12
Description
This delightful Picnic Marinated Italian Pasta Salad is an ideal choice for those sunny days when you’re eager to spend time outdoors, whether at a picnic, barbecue, or family gathering. Combining the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables with the hearty textures of pasta, this salad is designed to impress everyone and complement any meat dish you serve alongside it. With a zesty dressing and a mix of delightful ingredients, it is easy to make ahead, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully overnight, making each bite a taste sensation. The recipe originally hails from Taste of Home, but I’ve made a few tweaks to cater to our personal preferences. Feel free to modify the ingredients to suit your taste!
Ingredients Table
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | shell pasta (cooked al dente) |
| ¼ cup | provolone cheese (cubed) |
| ¼ cup | celery ribs (diced) |
| 4 | ripe tomatoes (chopped) |
| 4 | green pepper (chopped) |
| 4 | sliced ripe olives |
| 1 | parmesan cheese (grated) |
| ½ teaspoon | dried oregano |
| ½ teaspoon | fresh basil (chopped) |
| ¼ – ½ teaspoon | black pepper (to taste) |
| 1 cup | salad dressing (Italian) |
| 2 | salami (sliced) |
| 2 | pepperoni (sliced) |
| ½ cup | additional vegetables (optional) |
Nutritional Information Table
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 308.8 |
| Total Fat | 14.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 21.6 mg |
| Sodium | 703.2 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 34.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Protein | 11.3 g |
Instructions Table
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | To set the mood for your culinary adventure, pour yourself a small glass of a good red wine, savoring the anticipation of preparing this delectable salad. |
| 2 | Begin by cooking the shell pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente, ensuring that it retains a slight firmness. Once cooked, rinse it under cold water and drain thoroughly to stop the cooking process. |
| 3 | In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the sliced salami, pepperoni, cubed provolone cheese, diced celery, chopped tomatoes, green pepper, and sliced olives. |
| 4 | To elevate the salad, pour in your favorite Italian salad dressing, then sprinkle in the dried oregano, fresh basil, and black pepper to taste. Toss all the ingredients together until everything is well-coated in the dressing and spices. |
| 5 | Finally, add the grated parmesan cheese and give the salad another gentle toss to incorporate the cheese evenly. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least six hours; for the best flavor, let it chill overnight, allowing the ingredients to mingle and develop a delicious, robust taste. |
| 6 | Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature and watch as it becomes the star of your picnic spread! |
This Picnic Marinated Italian Pasta Salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering, combining vibrant flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. With its versatility and ease of preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again, making it a cherished favorite in your repertoire. Enjoy your culinary creation!
