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Flavorful Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade with Salami and Peppers

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A vibrant and easy Italian-inspired pasta salad featuring salami, mixed peppers, and a tangy homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for quick lunches, potlucks, or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces short pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli)
  • 6 ounces sliced Italian salami, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup mixed bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
  • 4 ounces provolone cheese, cubed or shredded
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside in the colander to drain well for about 5 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Dice the bell peppers, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the Kalamata olives if using. Cube or shred the provolone cheese and cut the salami into bite-sized pieces. Chop the fresh parsley.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with salami, bell peppers, tomatoes, onion, olives, and cheese.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Avoid overmixing to keep veggies crisp and cheese intact.
  7. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  8. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and sprinkle fresh parsley on top.

Notes

Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent mushiness and keep salad fresh. Adjust salt carefully as salami and olives add saltiness. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Add extra olive oil or vinegar if salad seems dry after chilling. For gluten-free, use brown rice or chickpea pasta. Vegan and dairy-free versions possible by substituting cheese and salami.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian pasta salad, salami pasta salad, easy pasta salad, Italian grinder salad, pasta salad with peppers, quick pasta salad, potluck salad

Find it online: https://avabake.com/flavorful-italian-grinder-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-with-salami-and-peppers/