Intro
Hi, I am Dulcia. I make food that feels like a warm hello, and this Awesome Pasta Salad is one of my go-to bright, cheesy salads for quick lunches and summer gatherings. It combines fusilli, cured meats, crisp veggies, olives, and a tangy dressing for an easy crowd-pleaser.
Origins
This Delizioso Fusilli Salad is inspired by Italian antipasti bowls and American pasta salad traditions. Fusilli holds dressing well between its spirals, which makes it ideal for a salad that is both colorful and satisfying. For more on pasta history, see Wikipedia on pasta: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pasta. For food safety and storage guidance, I often consult USDA resources: https://www.usda.gov.
Ingredients
- fusilli pasta
- tomatoes
- cheese
- salami
- pepperoni
- green pepper
- olives
- pimentos
- salad dressing
You can use your favorite short pasta, but fusilli is my pick because the spirals catch the dressing and bits of cheese. If you want to see more recipes from my site, visit my home page: https://www.dulciarecipes.com/ and a recipe I use for creamy fillings here: https://www.dulciarecipes.com/philadelphia-cheesecake-filling/.
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Cook fusilli pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes.
- Drain.
- Combine pasta with tomatoes, cheese, salami, pepperoni, green pepper, olives, and pimentos in a large bowl.
- Pour in salad dressing; toss to coat.
- Enjoy!
Delizioso Fusilli Salad
- Total Time: 27 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A classic fusilli pasta salad with tomatoes, cheese, salami, pepperoni, peppers, olives, pimentos, and a zesty dressing.
Ingredients
- Fusilli pasta
- Tomatoes
- Cheese
- Salami
- Pepperoni
- Green pepper
- Olives
- Pimentos
- Salad dressing
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Cook fusilli pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes.
- Drain.
- Combine pasta with tomatoes, cheese, salami, pepperoni, green pepper, olives, and pimentos in a large bowl.
- Pour in salad dressing; toss to coat.
- Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
Tips
- Cook the pasta just until al dente, about 12 minutes, then rinse briefly under cold water if you plan to serve chilled. This stops cooking and helps the pasta hold texture.
- Use a good balance of salty meats and fresh vegetables. I like to cut ingredients into bite-sized pieces so every forkful has variety.
- Toss the salad while the pasta is slightly warm to help the dressing adhere, or chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- If you want a creamier result, add a dollop of mayonnaise or a spoonful of Greek yogurt to the dressing.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Omit salami and pepperoni, add roasted artichokes and extra cheese.
- Mediterranean: Swap pepperoni for feta, use sun-dried tomatoes, and a lemon-olive oil dressing.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the salad and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add fresh herbs and a drizzle of dressing just before serving.
FAQ
Q: How long will this pasta salad keep in the fridge?
A: Stored in an airtight container, it stays good for up to 2 days. If it contains mayonnaise, follow USDA cold food guidelines: https://www.usda.gov.
Q: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Yes. Short shapes like rotini, penne, or orecchiette work well. Fusilli is best for catching dressing.
Q: Should I serve it warm or cold?
A: Both work. I serve it slightly warm or chilled, depending on the season and the crowd.
Conclusion
This Awesome Pasta Salad is simple, adaptable, and made to please. I hope you enjoy making this Delizioso Fusilli Salad as much as I do. For more recipes and ideas, explore my site: https://www.dulciarecipes.com/.