Antipasto Pasta Salad From Cooks Country Recipe 425 Recipes

ANTIPASTO PASTA SALAD, FROM COOK'S COUNTRY RECIPE - (4.2/5)

Steps:

• 1. Place one paper towel on microwave-safe plate. Arrange pepperoni in single layer on paper towel. Cover with another paper towel and layer sopresatta on towel. Top with another paper towel and microwave on highest power until meat begins to render fat, about 1 minute. Set meat aside. 2. Whisk 5 tablespoons vinegar (1/2 of the 10 tablespoons in the ingredient listing), olive oil, mayonnaise, pepperoncini juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in medium bowl. 3. Bring 4 quarts water to boil in large pot. Add 1 tablespoon salt and pasta and cook until al dente. Drain pasta, return to pot, and toss with 1/2 cup dressing and remaining vinegar. Adjust seasonings, spread dressed pasta on rimmed baking sheet, and refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes. 4. Meanwhile, bring remaining dressing to simmer in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and are lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Transfer to large bowl and cool. 5. Add meat, provolone, roasted red peppers, chopped pepperoncini, basil, and cooled pasta to mushrooms and toss well. Season with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature. Salad can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. NOTE: We loved this salad, but thought it tasted best eaten the same day it was made. The mushrooms are amazing, and I would double them, or even make just the mushrooms as a great appetizer/snack.

ANTIPASTO PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a pot of generously salted water to boil and cook the fusilli per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Whisk together the oil, vinegar, oregano, honey, 2 tablespoons Parmesan and salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add the warm pasta, then toss to coat and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Add the artichokes, red peppers, olives, mozzarella and salami and toss well to combine. Sprinkle with fresh basil.

ANTIPASTO PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Place a large saucepan of salted water over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until al dente. Drain in a colander and run under cold water for 1 to 2 minutes, until the pasta is thoroughly cooled. (This will also keep the pasta from sticking together.) Transfer the pasta to a large bowl.
• Place the whole red pepper directly on the stove burner and turn to high heat. Cook the pepper for 3 or 4 minutes on each side, or until almost completely black. (If you have an electric stove, cook the pepper under the broiler instead of on the stovetop.) Place the pepper in a small bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let stand for 10 minutes. (The steam will make the skin peel right off.) Scrape the charred skin from the pepper, cut in half, and remove and discard the stem and seeds. Cut the halves into 1/4 by 1-inch strips and add to the bowl.
• Drain the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes, cut into 1/8-inch strips, and add to the bowl. Cut the mozzarella into 1/4- to 1/2-inch cubes and add to the bowl. Drain the artichokes, cut into quarters, and add to the bowl. Drain the olives and add to the bowl.
• Peel the garlic, finely chop, and place in a small bowl with the parsley and lemon juice. Slowly add the oil, mixing briskly with a whisk or fork. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta and toss until combined. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• You can buy jars of roasted red peppers in any grocery store, but they are expensive. Roasting your own peppers may seem like a hassle, but it's very simple and will cost you less than half of what you would spend on the store bought version.