If you’re craving something bright, zesty, and irresistibly hearty, this Italian Deli Pasta Salad will steal the show. Packed with tender pasta, savory salami, juicy tomatoes, tangy pickled vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and briny pepperoncini, each bite bursts with an exciting medley of textures and flavors.
It’s the perfect addition to any picnic table, potluck gathering, or busy weeknight dinner. The beauty of this pasta salad lies in its versatility—you can customize it with your favorite deli meats, cheeses, and veggies to suit your tastes. Best served chilled, this colorful salad is a refreshing way to savor classic Italian deli flavors in every forkful!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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Kosher salt
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8 ounces short pasta (such as rotini or penne)
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2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
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2 tablespoons mayonnaise
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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Freshly ground black pepper
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1/4 cup olive oil
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4 ounces salami, diced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/2 cup giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables), chopped
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1/2 cup mozzarella pearls
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1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until cooled.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mayonnaise, oregano, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until emulsified.
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Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and toss to coat.
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Fold in the salami, tomatoes, giardiniera, mozzarella, pepperoncini, parsley, and red onion. Toss gently to combine.
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Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why Italian Deli Pasta Salad Stands Out
Unlike typical pasta salads that might lean heavily into mayonnaise or bland seasoning, the Italian Deli Pasta Salad offers layers of dynamic flavors. The choice of ingredients like salty salami, peppery red onions, creamy mozzarella pearls, and briny pepperoncini ensures that each forkful is exciting and satisfying.
Another standout aspect is its texture play. The pasta provides a tender base, the meats add chewiness, the vegetables introduce a crisp bite, and the cheese offers a creamy softness. This symphony of textures keeps the palate engaged from start to finish, which is why it’s a consistent favorite for gatherings and special events.
Moreover, this pasta salad is endlessly customizable. Love more heat? Add extra pepperoncini or spicy salami. Want it vegetarian? Omit the meats and load up on marinated artichokes or roasted red peppers. Its versatility makes it not just a recipe, but a canvas for culinary creativity.
The Secret Behind the Dressing
One of the defining features of the Italian Deli Pasta Salad is its vibrant, flavor-packed dressing. Instead of relying on heavy mayonnaise-based dressings alone, it smartly combines a touch of mayo with red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and oregano. This balance ensures creaminess without weighing the salad down.
The red wine vinegar adds acidity, cutting through the richness of the salami and mozzarella, while the mustard introduces a subtle sharpness that deepens the overall flavor. Oregano, a staple in Italian cooking, imparts an herbaceous note that instantly transports you to a bustling Italian market.
This dressing isn’t just tossed with the pasta; it clings to every ingredient, ensuring that each mouthful delivers a perfect blend of savory, tangy, and herbaceous tastes.
Perfect Occasions for Italian Deli Pasta Salad
This pasta salad shines in a multitude of settings. Hosting a backyard barbecue? It’s the ideal make-ahead dish that gets better as it sits. Heading to a picnic? It’s portable and remains delicious even when served at room temperature. Planning a potluck? It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have guests asking for seconds—and the recipe.
Because of its hearty ingredients, this salad can also serve as a standalone lunch. Pair it with some crusty bread and perhaps a chilled glass of white wine, and you have an effortless, satisfying meal. It’s equally wonderful as a side dish for grilled meats, seafood, or sandwiches, making it a true multi-purpose recipe for all seasons.
Storage Tips and Meal Prep Ideas
Italian Deli Pasta Salad is a meal-prepper’s dream. It can be made a day in advance, giving the ingredients time to marinate and meld together beautifully. In fact, it often tastes even better after sitting overnight in the refrigerator.
When storing, place the pasta salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. If the salad looks a little dry after storage, simply toss it with a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of vinegar before serving to freshen it up.
For meal prep, portion the salad into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches during a busy week. It’s a wholesome, filling option that saves time and satisfies mid-day hunger.
Tips to Elevate Your Pasta Salad
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Use high-quality deli meats and cheeses: Since the flavor is driven by the core ingredients, investing in good salami and fresh mozzarella pearls makes a big difference.
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Cook pasta al dente: Overcooked pasta can turn mushy once dressed. Aim for firm-to-the-bite noodles to maintain the salad’s structure.
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Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to rest in the fridge not only enhances flavor but also ensures a refreshing, cool bite.
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Customize the veggies: Add ingredients like artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or olives for additional layers of flavor.
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Balance the flavors: Taste and adjust seasoning after chilling. A splash of vinegar or a pinch more salt can refresh the dish just before serving.
Nutritional Benefits of Italian Deli Pasta Salad
While indulgent, this pasta salad also brings some nutritional positives. The olive oil-based dressing provides heart-healthy fats, and the vibrant mix of vegetables offers fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Mozzarella brings a dose of calcium, while the pasta itself provides complex carbohydrates for lasting energy.
Choosing whole wheat pasta can further boost the fiber content, while opting for leaner deli meats or adding more vegetables can create a lighter version for those mindful of their diet.
Conclusion
Italian Deli Pasta Salad isn’t just a recipe; it’s a celebration of bold flavors, diverse textures, and culinary creativity. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether around a picnic blanket, a family dinner table, or a festive potluck spread.
With its vibrant ingredients, robust dressing, and endless customization options, this pasta salad earns its place as a favorite in any kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday lunch, a dish to impress at gatherings, or simply a way to bring a bit of Italian deli magic into your home, this recipe delivers with delicious results every time.
Savor each forkful, experiment with your favorite add-ins, and enjoy the timeless flavors of an Italian Deli Pasta Salad crafted with love and flair.