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pasta salad with meat

Pasta Salad With Meat

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 2 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 colander
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 Medium Skillet
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 set measuring cups
  • 1 set measuring spoons
  • 1 Small bowl
  • 1 Whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounce pasta shells small
  • 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for pasta water
  • 8 ounce cooked ham diced
  • 4 ounce salami sliced into strips
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup black olives sliced
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese cubed
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/3 cup olive oil extra-virgin
  • 3 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add salt and pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  • Drain the pasta in a colander, rinse under cold water to cool completely, and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  • While the pasta cools, dice the ham, slice the salami, and chop the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and mozzarella.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, ham, salami, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, mozzarella, and parmesan.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
  • Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly with a wooden spoon until everything is evenly coated.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Before serving, toss the salad again and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

For best results, cook the pasta just to al dente so it stays firm after chilling, and cool it completely before mixing to avoid melting the cheese and warming the dressing. You can swap the meats for leftover chicken, turkey, or even grilled steak, but keep the total meat amount similar so the salad stays balanced. If making ahead for the next day, reserve a few tablespoons of dressing or a drizzle of olive oil to refresh the salad just before serving, since pasta absorbs liquid as it sits. Keep the salad chilled, especially when serving outdoors, and consider adding delicate ingredients like extra fresh herbs or extra cheese right before serving for the brightest flavor and best texture.
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