Italian-style Pasta Salad

Total Time: 5 hrs 15 mins Preparation Time: 5 hrs Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 8 ounces spiral shaped pasta or 8 ounces cheese tortellini
• 1 1/2 cups cubed provolone cheese or 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (6 oz.)
• 1/2 lb hard-cooked salami, cut into 1-inch squares
• 1 cup cauliflower floret
• 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced (1 c.)
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell peppers or 1/2 cup red sweet bell pepper
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings ("or" diced, if you prefer)
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1/2 cup olive oil or 1/2 cup salad oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• salt
• 2 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped

Recipe

• 1 cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water, the drain again.
• 2 in large bowl, toss together pasta, cubed cheese, salami, cauliflower, zucchini, bell pepper, onion, olives, parmesan cheese, and parsley.
• 3 in small bowl or screw-top jar, combine oil, vinegar, garlic, basil, oregano, pepper, and salt.
• 4 mix well.
• 5 pour mixture over salad, and toss to coat.
• 6 cover and chill 4-24 hours.
• 7 to serve, add tomatoes, and toss gently.