Shelly's Recipe

HERO PASTA SALAD

Category: Pasta Salads

For the Salad:
3 oz rotini, cavatelli, or other dried shaped pasta (1 cup)
1 cup cubed provolone cheese (4 oz)
2 oz fully cooked ham, cut into thin bite-size strips (1/2 cup)
2 oz hard salami, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 small red onion, halved then sliced
1/2 cup pepperoncini, sliced, or sliced mild pepper rings
2 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
1 large tomato, coarsely chopped or 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

For the Dressing:
3 tbsp olive oil or salad oil
3 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp snipped fresh oregano or 1/2 tsp dried oregano, crushed
2 small cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp dry mustard
1/8 tsp coarsely ground black pepper

In a large saucepan or pasta pot bring 3 quarts water to boiling. Add pasta. Reduce heat slightly. Boil, uncovered, for 8-12 minutes, or till pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally. (Or, cook according to package directions.) Immediately drain. Rinse with cold water and drain again thoroughly.

In a large bowl toss together cooked pasta, provolone cheese, ham, salami, onion, and pepperoncini or pepper rings. Add lettuce and tomato; gently toss to mix.

In a screw-top jar combine olive oil or salad oil, vinegar, oregano, garlic, dry mustard, and pepper. Cover; shake well. Pour over pasta mixture; toss to coat all ingredients with dressing and serve. Serves 4