Enjoy a vibrant Antipasto Salad Pasta featuring cherry tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella—perfect for any gathering! #antipastosaladpasta #italian cuisine #summerdinner
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### Antipasto Salad Pasta Recipe
Creating an antipasto salad pasta is a delightful way to enjoy a vibrant mix of flavors and textures. This dish combines fresh vegetables, cured meats, cheeses, and herbs in a refreshing pasta salad that’s perfect for any meal or party. Follow these steps to make your own delicious antipasto pasta.
#### Ingredients:
- 200g penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced into rounds
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 8 oz mozzarella, cubed
- 6 slices prosciutto, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
- Red wine vinegar (optional)
#### Equipment:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing bowl
#### Instructions:
1. **Cook the Pasta**:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water, then add the penne pasta.
- Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Typically, this will take about 9-12 minutes.
- Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving some pasta cooking water.
2. **Prepare Vegetables and Cheese**:
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare all your vegetables and cheese. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber into rounds, and slice the bell pepper thinly.
- Cube the mozzarella by cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
3. **Cook Prosciutto**:
- In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped prosciutto and cook until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside to drain on paper towels.
4. **Combine Ingredients**:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the prepared vegetables, mozzarella cubes, and cooked prosciutto.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the salad and sprinkle dried oregano over it.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. **Finish and Serve**:
- If you prefer a tangy dressing, mix in a teaspoon of red wine vinegar just before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color and freshness.
- Toss gently until the pasta is well coated with the ingredients.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
#### Tips:
- **Variety**: Feel free to add other meats like salami or chicken if you prefer. You can also include grilled vegetables for a more substantial dish.
- **Storage**: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and consume within 2-3 days for best freshness.