Description
This Italian Combo Pasta Salad is everything you love about a classic deli sub—salty meats, tangy peppers, creamy cheese—all tossed together with tender pasta and a bold, zesty dressing. It’s hearty, flavor-packed, and made to impress at any picnic, cookout, or potluck.
Ingredients
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Bow tie (farfalle) pasta – Holds onto the dressing like a champ and looks festive on the plate.
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Diced salami, pepperoni, and ham – A trio of bold, savory deli meats that bring serious flavor.
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Mozzarella pearls – Creamy little pockets of cheese that pop in every bite.
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Sliced banana peppers – Tangy, mildly spicy, and totally essential.
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Red onion – For a bit of bite and color contrast.
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Grated Parmesan – Adds depth and saltiness.
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Olive oil – Helps the pasta stay silky and flavorful.
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Homemade creamy Italian dressing – A mix of mayo, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and black pepper. It ties everything together.
Instructions
Boil the pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente—about one minute less than the package says. It’ll continue softening once dressed. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
Let the pasta cool all the way so it doesn’t melt the cheese or warm up the meats. You can spread it out on a baking sheet if you’re in a hurry.
Dice the salami, ham, and pepperoni into small, uniform pieces (think pencil eraser-sized). Slice the banana peppers and red onion thinly so they don’t overpower a bite.
In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with a drizzle of olive oil and the grated Parmesan. This step adds flavor and creates a barrier so the dressing doesn’t soak in too quickly.
Whisk together ½ cup mayo, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and lots of freshly cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust to your liking.
Add the meats, mozzarella pearls, banana peppers, and red onion to the pasta. Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently until well combined.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight!) to let the flavors meld.
Notes
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Don’t overdress it – It should be creamy, not soupy. You can always add more dressing later.
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Let it rest – The salad gets better after chilling. The dressing thickens, and the flavors blend beautifully.
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Taste before serving – Add a splash of olive oil or vinegar and a pinch of salt if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 Minuten
- Cook Time: 10 Minuten