Classic Italian Pasta Salad

Charlotte J's Note:

Just found this in the Sunday newspaper coupon ads.

• Total Time: 28 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 8 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

Salad

• 2 cups rotini pasta , cooked (about 1 cup dry)
• 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts , drained and cut into bite-size pieces
• ½ cup red bell pepper , chopped
• ½ cup green bell pepper , chopped
• 1 cup provolone cheese , cubed
• 1 carrot , cut into julienne strips
• ¼ cup red onion , minced
• 1 (2 ¼ ounce) can pitted black olives , sliced
• ¼ lb salami , chopped

Dressing

• 1⁄3; cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard
• 3 -4 tablespoons fresh basil , finely chopped (to taste)

Directions:

1. Combine all salad ingredients in a serving bowl.
2. Whisk first 6 dressing ingredients together.
3. Add basil to dressing.
4. Pour over pasta and toss to coat.
5. Season to taste.
6. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.
7. Toss again before serving.

Reviews

[Ck2plz]

I thought this was pretty good. The ingredients are a fabulous combination. I don't think the carrots added any flavor so next time I will leave them out. I used about 2 1/2 tablespoons of fresh basil because I served this at a picnic and did not want it to be too overpowering. I will add more next time. The dressing did seem like it was missing something. ZWT7-Count Dracula and his Hot Bites

[IngridH]

While we liked this salad, we felt that something was missing from the dressing. After adding about a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and some salt, we liked it a lot more. We loved all of the yummy things in it- salami, cheese, artichoke hearts. Made for ZWT7- Emerald City Shakers