Pasta Salad

Perfect for potlucks, backyard barbecues, or to tote to your favorite picnic spot, this pasta salad is a tasty twist on tradition.

By adding a splash of the liquid from a jar of marinated artichoke hearts, it’s easy to boost flavor in the vinaigrette. And you can use store-bought Italian dressing in place of making the vinaigrette, if desired.

Pack into a Mason jar and attach a fork for a fun and convenient way to savor this summer salad.

Check out The Daily Meal’s 12 Perfect Picnic Recipes for Your Next Outdoor Get-together  including this recipe for Pasta Salad. Enjoy!

PASTA SALAD

1 (16-ounce) package rotini (corkscrew) pasta
1 (7.5-ounce) jar quartered marinated artichoke hearts, drained, chopped and reserving 2 tablespoons liquid
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 pound sliced provolone cheese, cut into strips
1/4 pound sliced Genoa salami, cut into strips
1/4 cup minced red onion
1 small red bell pepper, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 (3.8-ounce) can sliced pitted ripe olives, drained
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Begin cooking rotini according to package directions.

Meanwhile, prepare vinaigrette. In a medium bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons reserved artichoke liquid, olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and pepper; whisk until well blended. In a large bowl, combine provolone cheese, salami, onion, pepper, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olives, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.

Drain rotini; rinse with cold water and drain again. Add rotini to cheese and salami mixture; drizzle with vinaigrette. Toss to combine. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour and up to 1 day in advance. Makes 12 servings.