This pasta salad is a refreshing and hearty option that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of savory salami, crisp vegetables, and sweet roasted red peppers creates a balanced dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
Not only is this salad visually appealing with its vibrant colors, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights, picnics, or BBQs. The dressing ties everything together with a tangy sweetness, creating a dish that everyone will love. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins for a unique twist!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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8 ounces pasta (such as rotini or penne)
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1 cup sliced salami
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1 cup frozen peas, thawed
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1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
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1/2 cup shredded carrots
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1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup olive oil
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1/4 cup white wine vinegar
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon honey
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside to cool.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced salami, peas, roasted red peppers, shredded carrots, and red onion.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
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Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
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Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Pasta Salad with Salami, Carrots, Peas, and Roasted Red Peppers is an incredibly versatile, flavorful, and vibrant dish that makes for an excellent addition to any table. Whether you’re hosting a family get-together, attending a summer BBQ, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. The combination of pasta, salami, vegetables, and a tangy dressing creates a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
The Versatility of Pasta Salad
Pasta salads are beloved for their versatility. You can easily customize them based on the ingredients you have on hand or according to personal preferences. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability it can be made to suit various tastes, dietary needs, and seasonal ingredients. Whether you want to make it more vegetarian-friendly, add a few more veggies, or switch up the dressing, this pasta salad is open to endless possibilities.
The base of the salad is pasta, which serves as the perfect vessel to carry all the vibrant ingredients. The salami provides a savory, slightly smoky flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the roasted red peppers and the crunch of fresh carrots. The peas add a pop of color and a natural sweetness that ties the whole dish together. When you make this salad, you’re not just creating a simple meal you’re crafting a colorful and delightful dish that tastes as good as it looks.
Why Choose This Pasta Salad?
1. A Perfect Make-Ahead Meal
One of the best things about pasta salad is that it’s perfect for make-ahead meals. In fact, the longer this salad sits in the fridge, the more the flavors develop. That means you can prepare this salad the day before a party or gathering and know that it will be just as delicious when it’s time to serve. It’s ideal for busy weekdays or weekends when you want something quick but tasty.
2. A Crowd-Pleaser
If you’ve ever had to prepare a dish for a large group of people, you know that finding something that appeals to a variety of tastes can be challenging. This pasta salad fits the bill perfectly. The robust flavors of salami and roasted red peppers pair with the more neutral pasta and peas, offering something for everyone. You can easily serve it at parties, potlucks, or barbecues where guests are sure to go back for seconds.
3. Ideal for Different Diets and Preferences
This recipe is easily customizable to meet various dietary preferences. You can swap out the salami for a vegetarian alternative like grilled tofu, tempeh, or even a different type of deli meat if you prefer. If you’re aiming to make the dish even lighter, you could use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta to cater to specific needs. The salad can also be adapted for dairy-free diets by using a dairy-free dressing or omitting the cheese.
4. A Healthy Option
Though pasta salad might sometimes be seen as a side dish, it can be a perfectly healthy meal if you make smart choices with your ingredients. The fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, and roasted red peppers are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. The salami, while rich in flavor, adds protein and can be consumed in moderation. The dressing is light, made with olive oil and vinegar, offering a healthy fat source while keeping the overall calorie count reasonable. The balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates ensures that the salad is both filling and nutritious.
Flavorful Ingredients for Every Bite
This pasta salad brings together an array of ingredients that work harmoniously to deliver a well-rounded flavor profile. The pasta itself forms the perfect neutral base, allowing the other components to shine. The star ingredients in this dish, however, are the salami, roasted red peppers, carrots, and peas.
Salami adds a delicious savory depth to the salad. It’s the kind of ingredient that doesn’t need much to make an impact. The thinly sliced salami imparts a slight smokiness that pairs well with the crunchy vegetables and the tangy dressing. For those who prefer a leaner protein, you can opt for turkey or chicken salami.
Roasted red peppers are another highlight of this pasta salad. Their sweetness and rich flavor come from the roasting process, which enhances the natural sugars in the peppers. Roasted peppers offer an earthy sweetness that perfectly complements the savory salami and the freshness of the peas and carrots.
Carrots bring a satisfying crunch to the salad. They’re subtly sweet and offer a lovely contrast to the other ingredients. Whether shredded or julienned, carrots add both texture and flavor that elevate the dish.
Peas are small but mighty in flavor. They have a natural sweetness that balances the savory and smoky elements of the salami. They also bring a bit of color to the dish, making it look even more appealing.
A Tangy and Creamy Dressing
The dressing is a critical component of this salad. It ties all the ingredients together, bringing an extra layer of flavor to the mix. Made with olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey, it offers a balance of acidity, sweetness, and creaminess. The Dijon mustard adds a bit of spice, while the honey brings a touch of sweetness to complement the tanginess of the vinegar. Olive oil ensures the dressing is smooth and coats the pasta and veggies perfectly.
You can also experiment with different types of vinegar to change the flavor profile of the dressing. White wine vinegar adds a light, crisp tang, while balsamic vinegar brings a deeper, richer flavor. You can even make the dressing creamier by adding a dollop of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
Pasta salad is as much about presentation as it is about flavor. To make this dish truly shine, serve it in a large, colorful bowl and garnish with fresh parsley. The parsley will add a pop of green to the dish, making it visually appealing and brightening the overall appearance. The vibrant colors of the carrots, peas, and red peppers already make this pasta salad a showstopper.
For an even more impressive presentation, consider serving the pasta salad in individual bowls, topped with a few extra slices of salami or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion:
Pasta Salad with Salami, Carrots, Peas, and Roasted Red Peppers is more than just a side dish; it’s a flavorful, versatile meal that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re serving it at a party, taking it to a potluck, or enjoying it as a quick lunch or dinner, this pasta salad is guaranteed to impress. With its vibrant colors, savory flavors, and easy preparation, it’s the perfect recipe to have in your cooking repertoire.
Not only is this dish adaptable to various diets and preferences, but it’s also a healthy, satisfying choice for anyone looking for a balanced meal. With its fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and flavorful dressing, it’s a dish that brings joy with every bite. Whether you’re preparing it ahead of time or enjoying it fresh, this pasta salad is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.