Ensalada De Pasta Con Salami Queso Mozarella Y Aderezo Italiano Casero Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it’s my go-to for a quick and satisfying meal that’s both delicious and effortlessly chic. The combination of fresh basil, savory salami, and creamy mozzarella with that zesty homemade dressing is pure magic, making every bite a burst of Italian-inspired goodness.

I adore putting together such colorful meals, and this Ensalada De Pasta Con Salami, Mozzarella, y Aderezo Italiano Casero is a delightful option. It uses al dente pasta in a penne shape, and savory, sliced salami.

There are also creamy mozzarella cubes, fresh basil, and a delightful homemade dressing that pulls it all together—a simple yet perfect mixture of extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar.

Ingredients

Spaghetti: An excellent source of carbohydrates that supplies energy and a sense of fullness.

Savory richness and protein come from the salami, boosting the salad’s overall nutrition and flavor profile.

Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a creamy consistency and a shot of calcium and protein.

The sweetness and vitamins of cherry tomatoes make them a burst of freshness in any dish.

Olives, especially black ones, impart a salty, tangy taste coupled with good-for-you fats.

Basil Leaves: Impart aromatic notes to the dish and are rich in antioxidants.

Ingredient Quantities

• 200g pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 100g salami, sliced
• 150g mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until still firm to the bite, according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down. Set aside.

2. In a big mixing bowl, mix together the cooled pasta, salami (cut into thin slices), mozzarella cheese (cut into 1/2-inch cubes), cherry tomatoes (cut in half), black olives (cut into thin slices), and red onion (cut into thin slices).

3. Take the fresh basil leaves and tear them into smaller pieces. Add the basil to the pasta mixture in the bowl.

4. In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create a simple Italian dressing.

5. In the large mixing bowl, add the pasta salad ingredients and pour the dressing over them.

6. Toss the salad gently to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

7. Check the seasoning and adjust as necessary with additional salt and pepper for flavor.

8. Allow the salad to rest for a minimum of 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator so that the flavors can blend together.

9. Just before serving, redistribute the dressing and flavors by tossing the salad once more.

10. You can serve the pasta salad either chilled or at room temperature. It’s a delightful, refreshing dish that can be enjoyed any time of year.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Small bowl or jar
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Measuring spoons
8. Mixing spoon or spatula

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta?Absolutely, any short pasta works in this recipe. You can swap in penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or even use these pasta shapes instead: rotini, bowtie, or any other type of short pasta.
• Is there a substitute for salami?Certainly, you can incorporate pepperoni, turkey salami, or even prosciutto for a different flavor.
• How do I store leftovers?Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a maximum of three days.
• Can I make the dressing ahead of time?Indeed, the dressing can be made two days beforehand and stored in the fridge.
• What if I don’t have red wine vinegar?Red wine vinegar can be replaced with any of the following: apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar.
• Is it necessary to use fresh mozzarella?It is best to use fresh mozzarella for optimal flavor, but if fresh mozzarella is unavailable or not feasible, regular mozzarella may be used.
• Can I add other vegetables?Certainly! You can include ingredients such as bell peppers or cucumbers to provide an additional crunch.

Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta for the pasta.
You can use pepperoni or turkey slices if you don’t have salami.
Feta or provolone cheese can be used in place of mozzarella cheese.
Use green olives or capers instead of black olives for a different flavor.
Shallots or green onions can be used in place of red onion.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance the Flavor After cooking, toss the pasta with a bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt while it’s still warm. This will help the pasta absorb more of the dressing later and enhance its flavor.

2. Marinate for Depth Prepare the dressing in advance and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This allows the garlic and Italian seasoning to infuse into the olive oil and vinegar more thoroughly, creating a richer taste.

3. Customize the Texture For a bit of crunch, consider adding some toasted pine nuts or walnuts to the salad just before serving. This will provide a nice contrast to the other soft ingredients.

4. Chill for Consistency After tossing the salad, let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour instead of just 15-20 minutes. This extra time allows the flavors to meld together more effectively, making the taste more harmonious.

5. Balance with a Zest Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. This will brighten up the salad and add a refreshing zing that complements the other flavors beautifully.