Ensalada de Pasta Italiana Cremosa

Ingredientes

• 10 ounce (300g) dry pasta, like fusilli, penne, or rotini (use a good quality)
• 2 tablespoons oil from jarred roasted peppers (see below)
• 1 shallot, finely diced
• 1 cup (240ml) roasted red peppers in oil, drained and sliced
• 1 cup (240ml) black olives, pitted and sliced
• 2 balls fresh mozzarella, torn into chunks (roughly 9oz/250g in total)
• 1 cup (240ml) Salami, cut into strips or cubes
• 1/4 cup (60ml) parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup basil, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup (120ml) full-fat mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup (60ml) Italian salad dressing
• 1 tablespoon runny honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste (or minced garlic)
• salt and black pepper to taste

Preparación

1. 1

   Cook the pasta in plenty of well-salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Keep an eye on it, you do not want it overcooked. Drain well in a colander.

2. 2

   2. Next, pour over about 2 tablespoons of the reserved oil from the roasted peppers and stir it through the hot pasta. It adds extra flavour and keeps the pasta from sticking as it cools.

3. 3

   While the pasta cools, combine all the salad dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

4. 4

   To the cooled pasta, add the diced shallot, sliced roasted peppers, sliced olives, torn mozzarella, salami, grated parmesan, and chopped parsley and basil.

5. 5

   Using two spoons, gently combine the pasta with all the ingredients until everything is evenly distributed.

6. 6

   Lastly, pour over the creamy salad dressing and gently stir to combine.

7. 7

   Rest the salad in the fridge for around 30 minutes to let the flavours mingle and deepen. Just before serving, add a few extra sprinkles of fresh herbs for a pop of colour and freshness.