Italian Deli Pasta Salad Recipe

Rotini pasta: A spiral-shaped pasta that holds onto the dressing well.

Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they add a burst of freshness.

Cucumber: Adds a crisp texture and refreshing flavor.

Red onion: Provides a sharp, tangy bite.

Kalamata olives: Briny and rich, they add depth to the salad.

Pepperoni: Adds a spicy, savory element.

Mozzarella cheese: Creamy and mild, it balances the other flavors.

Fresh basil: Adds a fragrant, herbal note.

Olive oil: The base of the dressing, providing richness.

Red wine vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness to the dressing.

Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds a tangy flavor.

Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic depth.

Oregano: A classic Italian herb that enhances the overall flavor.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth.

When preparing the pasta, make sure to cook it until it is al dente. This means the pasta should be firm to the bite, not too soft or mushy. After draining, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and to cool it down quickly. This helps to maintain the texture and prevents it from becoming overcooked when mixed with the other ingredients.

• uncooked rotini pasta - Substitute with uncooked penne pasta: Penne has a similar texture and will hold the dressing well.

• halved cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar sweetness and size.

• diced cucumber - Substitute with diced zucchini: Zucchini has a similar crunch and mild flavor.

• thinly sliced red onion - Substitute with thinly sliced shallots: Shallots offer a milder onion flavor.

• pitted and halved kalamata olives - Substitute with pitted and halved black olives: Black olives have a similar texture and a less intense flavor.

• sliced pepperoni - Substitute with sliced salami: Salami provides a similar spicy and savory flavor.

• cubed mozzarella cheese - Substitute with cubed provolone cheese: Provolone has a similar texture and a slightly sharper flavor.

• chopped fresh basil - Substitute with chopped fresh parsley: Parsley offers a fresh, slightly peppery flavor.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor.

• red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a similar acidity and tang.

• dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard offers a similar tangy flavor with a bit more texture.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a similar flavor, though less intense.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Thyme has a similar earthy flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar salty flavor with a slightly different mineral profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile.

• To store your Italian deli pasta salad, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.

• Place the container in the refrigerator. The pasta salad can be stored for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully over time, making it even more delicious.

• If you plan to make the pasta salad ahead of time, consider storing the dressing separately. This will prevent the pasta from absorbing too much of the dressing and becoming soggy. Simply mix the dressing in when you're ready to serve.

• For freezing, note that while pasta salad can be frozen, the texture of some ingredients like cucumber and cherry tomatoes may change upon thawing. If you still wish to freeze it, place the pasta salad in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.

• Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. The pasta salad can be frozen for up to 1 month.

• When you're ready to enjoy the frozen pasta salad, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the ingredients.

• After thawing, give the pasta salad a good stir. You might want to add a bit more olive oil or red wine vinegar to refresh the flavors.

• Avoid reheating the pasta salad as it is best enjoyed cold. If you prefer a slightly warmer dish, allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Once the oil is warm, add the leftover Italian deli pasta salad.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, for about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the pasta salad to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Stir the salad and check the temperature.
  5. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the pasta salad in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
  5. Remove from the oven, stir, and serve.

• Steam Method:

  1. Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Place a steamer basket over the pot.
  3. Add the pasta salad to the steamer basket.
  4. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
  5. Remove from the steamer and serve immediately.

• Room Temperature Method:

  1. Remove the pasta salad from the refrigerator.
  2. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  3. Toss the salad to redistribute the dressing and serve.

• Large pot: Used for boiling the pasta according to package instructions.

• Colander: Essential for draining the cooked pasta and rinsing it under cold water.

• Large mixing bowl: Needed to combine the pasta with all the other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, pepperoni, mozzarella, and basil.

• Small bowl: Used for whisking together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

• Whisk: Helps in thoroughly mixing the dressing ingredients to ensure a smooth and well-combined dressing.

• Chef's knife: Necessary for chopping and slicing ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, pepperoni, mozzarella, and basil.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping and slicing all the salad ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the exact amounts of ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, pepperoni, mozzarella, and basil.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for measuring smaller quantities of ingredients like olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

• Refrigerator: Needed to chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

Pre-cook the pasta: Cook the rotini pasta ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This way, you can quickly assemble the salad when needed.

Use pre-sliced ingredients: Buy pre-sliced pepperoni, pre-diced mozzarella cheese, and pre-halved cherry tomatoes to save chopping time.

Make the dressing in advance: Prepare the olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing a day before and store it in a jar. Just shake and pour when ready.

Batch prep vegetables: Dice the cucumber and slice the red onion in bulk. Store them in airtight containers for quick access.