Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Three Cheese Italian Pasta Salad

This is a great make ahead salad that is terrific to serve to company or take to a potluck.  It's on my catering menu and it's everyone's favorite!

You can add additional ingredients to suit your taste such as: slice ripe olives, zucchini, thinly sliced, chopped green pepper, etc. - make it your own!

  • 1 lb. package tricolor fusilli pasta (any pasta will do)
  • 6 oz. genoa salami, cubed
  • 6 oz. provolone cheese, cubed
  • 1 12 oz. jar Cento marinated Roasted Red Peppers (with EVOO and garlic cloves) including liquid
  • 1 8 oz. container fresh bocconcini mozzarella
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
  • 1 cup olive or vegetable oil (I use vegetable oil - the red peppers have extra virgin olive oil)
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tsp. dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Shaved Parmigiano for garnish

Cook the pasta according to package directions; rinse in cold water and drain.  Place in a large bowl; add the next 7 ingredients.  I use all the liquid in the jar of roasted red peppers as well as the marinated garlic clove.  Just chop into bite size pieces and add to pasta.  In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine oil, vinegar, garlic, basil, oregano, salt and pepper; shake well.  Pour over salad and toss to coat.  Cover and chill for 8 hours or overnight.  Toss before serving.  Garnish with shaved Parmigiano.

11 comments:

  1. I must admit, I collect pasta salad recipes like some gals collect shoes!! This is a keeper. I am just discovering your wonderful blog and am now following yours. xo,

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  2. This is so festive looking going to save it for Christmas I love it!

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  3. This is a great pasta salad. I also collect these recipes. I can't wait to try this one, my hubby will love the salami in it.

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  4. I love making pasta salads during the summer and this one looks like a winner....absolutely yummy.

    Hope you can come and share it at Foodie Wednesday
    http://www.frugalwannabecooks.com/2009/11/ravioli-deluca-style.html

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  5. What a delicious and pretty salad. Pasta is a weeknight favorite around here in the summer. I'd love for you to come by and show off your recipe at These Chicks Cooked Recipe Spotlight today. Have a blessed day :)
    Katie

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  6. Wow! this looks great! With these hot days this would be great for dinner. Maybe to take on a picnic too.

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  7. Patti, this is one beautiful pasta salad. . . perfect for these hotter days! I didn't know that you had a blog hop going on so I'll add something once finished with this comment. I would love to have you stop by my weekend linky too, if you haven't already! This salad would be a great addition!

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  8. Thanks for stopping by to share your recipe, Patti. Have a nice weekend :)
    Katie

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  9. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  10. This Three Cheese Italian Pasta Salad is so delicious. It's my favorite. Thank you for a perfect recipe.

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  11. Sounds delicious. I make a similar salad for us quite often in summer but without the pasta so will throw some of that in next time pasta salad.

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