Description
A vibrant and flavorful Italian Sub Pasta Salad combining al dente pasta with fresh baby plum tomatoes, mozzarella, pepperoni, salami, deli-style turkey, and briny black olives, all tossed in a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or picnic, this salad is easy to prepare, can be made ahead, and offers a delicious blend of savory and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Dressing
- 120ml / 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 60ml / 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 small clove Garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp Sugar
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Pasta Salad
- 350g / 12.3oz Short-Cut Pasta (Gemelli recommended)
- 125g / 4.4oz Baby Plum Tomatoes, quartered
- 125g / 4.4oz Mozzarella Balls, halved
- 75g / 2.6oz Pepperoni, sliced small
- 75g / 2.6oz Salami, sliced small
- 75g / 2.6oz Deli-Style Turkey, sliced small
- 50g / 1.7oz Black Olives, thinly sliced
- 6 Guindilla Chillies, thinly sliced (or other deli/antipasto brined chillies)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Basil Leaves, finely diced
- 1/2 small Red Onion, finely sliced
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Add the short-cut pasta to salted boiling water and cook until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool. Shake well to drain off excess water, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, minced garlic, sugar, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and emulsified.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the quartered baby plum tomatoes, halved mozzarella balls, sliced pepperoni, salami, deli-style turkey, sliced black olives, thinly sliced Guindilla chillies, diced fresh basil, and finely sliced red onion to the bowl with the cooled pasta.
- Add Dressing and Toss: Give the dressing another quick whisk and pour it over the pasta and fillings. Toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the salad to rest for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld and the pasta to absorb the dressing. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Turkey: Use thin deli-style slices as you would for sandwiches. Turkey pairs well, but chicken or ham can be substituted if preferred.
- Guindilla Chillies: These mild brined chillies usually have seeds included. If unavailable, substitute with any jarred deli style brined chillies found near pickles or antipasto items. Adjust quantity based on desired heat level.
- Make Ahead: Salad can be stored tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Best enjoyed fresh as it may dry out over time.
- Calories: Nutritional values and calories mentioned are for the whole recipe divided by 5 servings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 of 5 servings
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg