Name: Smoked Italian Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups grape tomatoes; 9 sweet peppers, sliced; 1 cup pepperoncini peppers, canned, whole; 8 ounces mozzarella, pre-sliced log; 1 pound salami, sliced; ½ pound pepperoni, sliced; ¼ cup basil, freshly chopped; 1 pound pasta (rotini or penne); 1 red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup olive oil; ¼ cup pepperoncini juice from the can; ¼ cup red wine vinegar; ½ tablespoon garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon oregano; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 pinch salt; 1 pinch black pepper; ¼ cup Parmesan, freshly shaved

Smoked Italian Pasta Salad

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Smoked Italian Pasta Salad is a hearty, flavorful dish filled with a vibrant mix of ingredients like salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, and tangy pepperoncini. Tossed with a zesty dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and herbs, this salad is the perfect side dish for summer BBQs, picnics, or a light meal. Its smoky, savory, and tangy flavors make it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Author: Linda
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (for pasta)
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling, Mixing
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

2 cups grape tomatoes

9 sweet peppers, sliced

1 cup pepperoncini peppers, canned, whole

8 ounces mozzarella, pre-sliced log

1 pound salami, sliced

½ pound pepperoni, sliced

¼ cup basil, freshly chopped

1 pound pasta (rotini or penne)

1 red onion, thinly sliced

½ cup olive oil

¼ cup pepperoncini juice from the can

¼ cup red wine vinegar

½ tablespoon garlic, minced

1 tablespoon oregano

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 pinch salt

1 pinch black pepper

¼ cup Parmesan, freshly shaved

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Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, combine the grape tomatoes, sweet peppers, pepperoncini peppers, mozzarella, salami, pepperoni, and red onion.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, pepperoncini juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Add the chopped fresh basil and toss again.
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, sprinkle the shaved Parmesan cheese over the top for an added touch of richness.

Notes

Add heat: Include sliced jalapeños or hot pepper flakes for extra spice.

Vegetarian option: Skip the meats and use more vegetables, such as artichoke hearts or olives.

Olives: Kalamata or green olives can enhance the briny flavor of the salad.

Find it online: https://familydinnercooking.com/smoked-italian-pasta-salad/