Description
A delicious and protein-rich pasta salad perfect for gatherings, loaded with flavorful ingredients that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450 g) rotini or any short pasta
- 8 ounces (225 g) sliced deli turkey or ham, chopped
- 8 ounces (225 g) Genoa salami, diced
- 1 cup (240 g) cooked chickpeas or white beans
- 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup (75 g) diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup (75 g) diced red bell pepper
- 1/3 cup (50 g) sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup (15 g) thinly sliced red onion (optional)
- 1 cup (120 g) shredded mozzarella or cubed provolone cheese
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking. Set aside to drain for about 5 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, chop the deli turkey or ham, dice the Genoa salami, and rinse the cooked chickpeas. Cut the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red bell pepper, and slice the black olives and red onion thinly. Shred or cube the mozzarella or provolone cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped proteins, vegetables, and cheese. Pour the dressing over and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 2-3 hours, to let the flavors meld and the pasta absorb the dressing. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top.
Notes
This salad keeps well for 3-4 days in an airtight container. For a creamier version, add mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. Customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg