Introduction: Delight in the culinary symphony of flavors with our Rotini Pasta Salad, meticulously crafted to elevate your supper experience. This tantalizing medley of rotini noodles, succulent ham, zesty pepperoni, sharp cheddar cheese, briny black and green olives, crisp cucumbers, and juicy tomatoes promises a feast for the senses. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey, exploring the art of assembling a pasta salad that not only complements your supper but steals the spotlight as a star dish.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta Salad:
- 1 pound rotini noodles
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup green olives, sliced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Rotini Noodles:
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rotini noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Dice the ham, cube the cheddar cheese, slice the pepperoni, black olives, and green olives. Dice the cucumber and tomatoes. Ensure uniformity in size for a visually appealing salad.
- Assemble the Pasta Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled rotini noodles with the prepared ham, pepperoni, cheddar cheese, black olives, green olives, cucumber, and tomatoes. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Create the Dressing:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Ensure the dressing is well-emulsified for uniform flavor.
- Dress the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until all ingredients are coated. Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 15g
Weight W (W-W) Smart Points: 9 per serving
Culinary Tips:
- Customization: Personalize your pasta salad by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting proteins to suit your taste preferences.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This pasta salad can be prepared ahead, allowing the flavors to meld for an even more delightful dining experience.
- Garnish Gracefully: Enhance the visual appeal by garnishing with fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving.
Conclusion: Our Rotini Pasta Salad is not just a side dish; it’s a culinary masterpiece that steals the show at your supper table. With a vibrant array of ingredients and a perfectly balanced dressing, each forkful promises a burst of flavors and textures. Elevate your supper experience with this versatile and visually stunning pasta salad, where every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious dining experience. Make this dish a staple in your culinary repertoire, celebrating the joy of good food and memorable suppers.