Ingredients
1 pound cellentani pasta, cooked al dente and cooled
¼ cup red onion, diced
1 cup broccoli, chopped
1 cup green olives, sliced or whole
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
½ cup banana peppers, chopped
1 cup mini pepperoni or cubed pepperoni
½ cup salami, cubed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
1 medium green pepper, diced
Dressing:
½ cup red wine vinegar
⅓ cup sugar
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Chop onion, broccoli, olives, cheddar, banana peppers, pepperoni, salami, tomatoes, and green pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, sugar, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with chopped vegetables, meats, cheese, and olives.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Substitute mozzarella or provolone for cheddar.
Use turkey pepperoni or omit meats for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Add artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or cucumbers for variety.
For spice, add crushed red pepper flakes to dressing.
Best made ahead—flavors improve after chilling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Low Salt
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 25mg