Fusilli Salad with Salami, Provolone, and Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette

When it comes to pasta salads, the store-bought deli counter options may be convenient, but they often lack the vibrant flavors and textures that make a side dish truly delightful. With this bold and fresh-tasting pasta salad recipe, we draw inspiration from traditional antipasto flavors to create a dish that stands out from the crowd. Say goodbye to heavy mayo-laden salads with flabby pasta and overcooked vegetables. Instead, embrace a zesty olive oil-based vinaigrette accented with sunny and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, red wine vinegar, garlic, and basil. Marinating the cooked pasta in this dressing ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Thickly cut salami or pepperoni and provolone add a savory bite and richness to the salad, while baby spinach adds color and freshness. A handful of sliced kalamata olives provide a briny punch that elevates the overall taste. With careful attention to cooking the pasta to the right texture and keeping it slightly moist after rinsing, you’ll have a pasta salad that impresses on every level. Whether served at picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings, this antipasto-inspired pasta salad is sure to be a hit. Plus, with its make-ahead potential, you can prepare it in advance and simply refresh it with warm water and olive oil before serving.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound fusilli
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, rinsed, patted dry, and minced
• 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 8 ounces thickly sliced salami or pepperoni, cut into matchsticks
• 8 ounces thickly sliced provolone, cut into matchsticks
• 1 1/2 ounces (1 1/2 cups) baby spinach
• 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced

PREPARATIONS:

1. Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the fusilli and 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the pasta, stirring often, until it is tender. Drain the pasta, rinse it with cold water, and drain again, leaving it slightly wet.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the minced sun-dried tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, chopped basil or parsley, minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper to create the flavorful vinaigrette.
3. Add the cooked fusilli and the thickly sliced salami or pepperoni to the vinaigrette. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and salami are well coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl and let the pasta salad rest for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Before serving, stir in the thickly sliced provolone, baby spinach, and sliced kalamata olives. Season the pasta salad with salt and pepper according to taste.

YIELD:

• This flavorful antipasto-inspired pasta salad yields approximately 8 servings.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• To achieve the desired texture of the finished salad, cook the fusilli until it is completely tender and leave it slightly moist after rinsing.

TIPS:

• For make-ahead preparation, refrigerate the pasta salad in an airtight container for up to one day. Before serving, add warm water and additional olive oil as needed to refresh the salad’s texture.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• Calories: 430
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 1040mg

In conclusion, this antipasto-inspired pasta salad is a true showstopper that brings bold and vibrant flavors to the table. By infusing the pasta with the zesty vinaigrette made of olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, red wine vinegar, garlic, and basil, we create a dish that stands out from the typical mayo-laden deli counter pasta salads. The addition of thickly sliced salami or pepperoni and provolone gives the salad a savory bite and a luxurious richness that will impress your guests.

The baby spinach adds a refreshing burst of color and freshness to the salad, making it a perfect addition to any picnic or gathering. And let’s not forget the handful of sliced kalamata olives that brings a delightful briny punch, elevating the flavors to a new level.

With careful attention to cooking the fusilli to the right texture and keeping it slightly moist after rinsing, we ensure that every bite of this pasta salad is perfectly satisfying. The make-ahead potential of this dish is an added bonus, allowing you to prepare it ahead of time and simply refresh it with warm water and olive oil before serving.

No more sad side dishes at your gatherings; this antipasto-inspired pasta salad is here to delight and impress your family and friends. Its bold and fresh flavors, combined with the convenience of make-ahead preparation, make it a perfect choice for any occasion.

So, the next time you’re looking for a pasta salad that truly stands out, turn to this antipasto-inspired delight, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that celebrates the vibrant essence of Italian flavors.