Pasta Salad for the Bunch

Submitted by Cheri B

"Large bowl full of Delicious Italian pasta salad. This salad has lots of YUM to it. I'm ask for this recipe all the time, and can only say well this is what I start with, them add more seasoning to my own taste. But this is a good start on the spices, and ingredients are always subject to change to your own taste."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 15mins
• Ingredients: 21
• Yields: 20-25 3/4 cup

ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package tri colored pasta rotini pasta or (16 ounce) package penne pasta
• 2 quarts water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tablespoons oil, for water
• 1 (1/8 ounce) package Good Seasons salad dressing mix
• 1⁄4 cup rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1⁄2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 6 ounces pesto sauce, Safeway Select
• 1 lb salami, genoni salami thin sliced- julienned
• 1⁄2 lb pepperoni, if desired sliced
• 1 lb provolone cheese, thin sliced into strips, julienned
• 1 whole yellow pepper, sliced
• 1 whole red pepper, sliced
• 1⁄2 medium red onion, sliced
• 6 whole green onions, cleaned and cut into small pieces
• 4 ounces black olives (chopped or sliced)
• 3 whole celery ribs, diced
• 2 tablespoons oregano
• 4 cups grape tomatoes or 4 cups cherry tomatoes
• salt & pepper

directions

1. Boil 2 quarts water, add salt,2 tablespoons oil and pasta. Cook to not quite done-al dente. Then drain do not rinse. when not quite cooled but not HOT, place in LARGE bowl.
2. While pasta is cooking make good seasons dressing using dry mix, rice vinegar, 3 tablespoons water and 1/2 cup EVOO.
3. Add pesto to dressing, mix well.
4. Add pesto mix to pasta toss lightly.
5. Add salami and pepperoni; toss lightly.
6. Let pasta cool.
7. When cool add cheese, peppers, onion, olives celery.
8. Salt and pepper, toss, and then let set to dissolve salt and then taste.
9. Add oregano if desired to taste, you may want more basil add now.
10. Tomatoes (use 2 10-12 oz deli packs). Cut the tomatoes in half and add to salad.
11. Cool overnight or several hours.
12. Notes: Cut meats, cheese and peppers about the same size as your pasta, for looks and easier eating. I do not like green peppers or I would add them also, they would look great and add interesting flavor.