Perfect Pasta Salad is a vibrant and delicious dish that brings together fresh vegetables, zesty pepperoni, and optional cubes of provolone cheese, all coated in a tangy homemade dressing. This pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings. The combination of tri-colored pasta with a medley of colorful vegetables not only makes it visually appealing but also packed with flavor and texture.
Flavorful and Easy Perfect Pasta Salad
One of the best things about this pasta salad is its versatility. You can adjust the ingredients and dressing to suit your personal preferences, ensuring it’s always just the way you like it. With a simple yet flavorful dressing made of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a touch of sweetness from sugar, this salad strikes a perfect balance of flavors that everyone will love.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (for pasta)
Servings: 8-10
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan for pasta
Recipe Title: Perfect Tri-Colored Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 (1 lb) box tri-colored pasta
- 2 cups chopped green peppers
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups chopped red onions
- 1/2 lb cubed provolone cheese (optional)
- 1/2 lb sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
For the Dressing:
- 3/4 cup Pompeian extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 cup Pompeian red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Directions:
- Begin by preparing the dressing. Mix the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Stir well and set aside until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Cook the tri-colored pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water until the pasta is cool.
- Slice the pepperoni circles in half and separate the slices.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped green peppers, tomatoes, red onions, sliced pepperoni, and black olives.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and toss well to coat everything evenly.
- Refrigerate the pasta salad for a few hours to allow the flavors to blend.
- Just before serving, add the cubed provolone cheese to the salad to prevent it from getting soggy. Stir to combine, and add extra olive oil or red wine vinegar if needed to reach your desired consistency.
This Perfect Pasta Salad is guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering, with its bright flavors and satisfying ingredients. Serve it chilled, and watch it disappear quickly as everyone enjoys this delightful dish!