Muffaletta Pasta Salad
Muffaletta pasta salad... All those New Orleans flavors in one bowl. •
Ingredients:
* 1 lb ditalini pasta
* 6 oz salami, cubed
* 6 oz ham, cubed
* 6 oz sharp provolone cheese, cubed
* 1 cup Boscoli Muffaletta Olive Salad (slightly drained)
* ½ cup Italian dressing (plus more if needed)
* 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
* Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook ditalini until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
2. Add pasta to a large bowl with salami, ham, and provolone.
3. Stir in the olive salad - this is where all the flavor comes from.
4. Pour in Italian dressing, then add parsley, salt, and pepper.
5. Toss until everything is well coated.
6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tip:
Ditalini soaks up dressing fast, so don't be afraid to add a little extra before serving to freshen it up.
Having personally prepared Muffaletta pasta salad several times, I can attest to how this dish captures the bold and zesty flavors typical of New Orleans cuisine. One of the key ingredients that truly elevates the salad is the Boscoli Muffaletta Olive Salad—a mixture of olives, vegetables, and spices that infuses every bite with a unique briny punch. When I make this salad, I like to use ditalini pasta because its small, tubular shape holds the dressing nicely, ensuring every forkful is flavorful. A practical tip I’ve learned is to cook the pasta just until al dente and rinse it under cold water immediately. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and stops the cooking process, which is important to maintain texture contrast with the meats and cheese cubes. Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together, making the olive salad and Italian dressing more pronounced. For those who enjoy a little customization, adding chopped fresh parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a fresh herbal note that balances the richness of the salami and provolone cheese. Don't hesitate to adjust the amount of Italian dressing; ditalini pasta tends to absorb it quickly, so a little extra dressing before serving can keep the salad moist and vibrant. This Muffaletta pasta salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner. It pairs wonderfully with crisp white wine or a cold beer, making it a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish. Overall, this recipe is a delightful way to bring the distinct flavors of New Orleans into your kitchen with minimal effort and maximal taste.