Italian Pasta Salad

I’m not sure what I like best about this salad. Is the the pasta, tossed in an olive oil, herb and garlic vinaigrette? Or is it all the meats, cheese, olives, artichokes and pepperocini added in? It really doesn’t matter because it’s all just so crazy good together. This salad has so many fantastic layers of flavors that you’ll be wishing for more after just one bite. Jam packed with tons of delicious, chopped ingredients, this pasta dish is more like a meal than a salad and I actually planned it that way. My plan was to have a hearty salad that would give me all the fuel I needed during a busy day along with maximum flavor. Well…I hit the nail on the head. Not only is this salad loaded with classic Italian ingredients, the olive oil dressing is what totally makes this salad.  Since I was making this salad just for me, well, not really, I shared with several friends, I put in all the things I like from my favorite Italian deli. Smokey ham, salami, briny olives, which of course I had to have both green and black ones were my first picks. I also added in some thinly sliced onion, marinated artichokes and slightly hot pepperoncini. See, I’m the only one in this house that likes anything pickled, so when Mr. travels, I go hog wild with ingredients of my liking.The whole salad takes just a few minutes to make since you are just chopping a few ingredients, shaking the dressing and cooking the pasta. Once all the yummy ingredients are chopped and while the pasta was cooking, I made the dressing.  It’s incredibly simple with everything coming together in a mason jar. Olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice are flavored with lots of herbs, salt and pepper. Once your salad is tossed together, just pour on the dressing and let all that pasta soak up the flavor. Here’s how I enjoy it ~ I load up mason jars with my salad, toss in a few leaves of butter lettuce, screw on the lid and store in the fridge. When I’m on the go, or working from home, I just open up my “salad jar” and dig in! Print Italian Pasta Salad Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 20 mins   This pasta salad is loaded with meats, cheese, olives and artichokes then tossed in an olive oil dressing that's full of classic Italian flavors. One bite and you'll be begging for more! Course: Pasta, Salad Cuisine: American Servings: 12 Author: Donya | asouthernsoul.com Ingredients 1 lb (box) pasta 1 cup marinated artichokes 1 cup black olives 1 cup stuffed green olives 1 cup pepperocini 1 cup ham 1 cup salami 1 cup onion - thinly sliced 1 cup Parmesan cheese - grated 1/2 cup fresh parsley - chopped Dressing 3/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar 1/4 cup lemon-juice 1 teaspoon garlic - minced 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried basil 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon salt Instructions In a large pot filled with water, cook pasta according to package directions. While water comes to a boil, roughly chop the artichokes, olives, pepperocini, ham and salami.  In a jar fitted with a lid, add olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, herbs, salt and pepper. Screw on lid and shake jar until all ingredients are emulsified.   When pasta is cooked, drain and rinse, then add back to pasta pot. Add in all chopped ingredients and gently mix. Pour on half of dressing and toss. Sprinkle on parsley and cheese, add remaining dressing and toss to combine. Spoon onto platter or large bowl to serve immediately or store in refrigerator in an airtight container. Items You Might Need For This Recipe Disclosure ~ If  a purchase is made using one of the affiliate links on this website we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you! DOWAN 10-inch Porcelain Serving Platter/Rectangular Plates, Set of 4, White Price: $27.99 -3% Rachael Ray 2-Piece Cucina Stoneware Cruet Set, Red/Brown Price: $18.95 Was: $19.44 Lipper International 1188 Acacia Oblong Salad Servers, 12" Long, One Pair Price: $7.06 -15% Cook N Home 4-Piece 8 Quart Pasta Cooker Steamer Multipots, Stainless Steel Price: $33.99 Was: $39.99 -20% HOMWE Kitchen Cutting Board (3-Piece Set) | Juice Grooves w/ Easy-Grip Handles | BPA-Free, Non-Porous, Dishwasher Safe | Multiple Sizes (Set of Three, Gray) Price: $15.97 Was: $19.97 -52% J.A. Henckels International CLASSIC 8" Chef's Knife Price: $43.99 Was: $92.00 Ball Quart Jar, Wide Mouth, Set of 12 Price: Check on Amazon -40% Disposable Wooden Cutlery 75 Pc Mixed Set by Rustic Earthware | Biodegradable Utensils | Perfect for Small Gatherings, Parties, Weddings, and Showers | Includes 25 Forks, 25 Spoons & 25 Knives Price: $8.98 Was: $15.00 ‹ › Get recipes right to your inbox from me, A Southern Soul! 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