Best Hero Pasta Salad Recipes

HERO PASTA SALAD

Hero Pasta Salad image

Hide this salad until serving time, or you might be surprised to find it gone! Try adding kalamata olives, peppers or yellow tomatoes. Be creative. -Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 small garlic cloves, minced
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
SALAD:
2 cups uncooked spiral pasta
1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
3/4 cup sliced pepperoncini
4 ounces cubed provolone cheese
2 ounces thinly sliced deli ham, cut into strips (2/3 cup)
2 ounces thinly sliced hard salami, cut into strips (2/3 cup)
5 cups shredded lettuce
1 large tomato, coarsely chopped
3/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Steps:

In a small bowl, whisk the first five ingredients until blended. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta; rinse with cold water., In a large bowl, combine onion, pepperoncini, cheese, meats and pasta. Just before serving, add lettuce and tomatoes. Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 313 calories, Fat 16g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 27mg cholesterol, Sodium 553mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 14g protein.

HERO PASTA SALAD

Hero Pasta Salad image

This salad lends itself well to improvisation. Try adding some sliced imported olives, capers, chopped sweet peppers, or yellow or orange tomatoes. If making it ahead, wait to add the lettuce and tomato until just before serving time.

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

For the Salad:
3 ounces rotini, cavatelli, or other dried shaped pasta (1 cup)
1 cup cubed provolone cheese (4 ounces)
2 ounces fully cooked ham, cut into thin bite-size strips (1/2 cup)
2 ounces 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 tablespoons olive oil or salad oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon snipped fresh oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
2 small cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

Steps:

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.