Let’s whip up a tropical, quick dinner: Cold Pasta Salad with Deli Meats and Cheese. It’s our top pick for a fast, flavorful meal on warm days. Let’s get to the recipe!
Ingredients for Cold Pasta Salad:
- 1 package (approx. 1 lb) of your favorite pasta (rotini or fusilli work best);
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed;
- 1 cup deli ham, cubed;
- 2 tomatoes, seeded and diced;
- 1 cup mayonnaise;
- 2 cans (approx. 10 oz total) table cream (table cream or heavy cream can be used);
- 1 packet poultry seasoning (or your preferred savory blend);
- Salt and black pepper to taste;
- Fresh parsley and scallions, chopped, to taste.
How to make Cold Pasta Salad:
- Cook the pasta al dente in salted water with a splash of olive oil. Drain and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, mozzarella, ham, tomatoes, and peas (optional), and toss well.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, table cream, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
- Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for about 1 hour before serving.
- Serve in a chilled bowl, garnish as desired, and enjoy!
Tips & Variations:
To make your dish even heartier, feel free to add canned peas, sweet corn, cubed bologna, or even a dollop of cream cheese. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top adds a perfect finishing touch.
Did you know?
A fun fact about pasta salad is that it gained massive popularity in the United States during the 1960s, coinciding with the hippie movement and a growing interest in fresh, natural foods. Since then, it has become a staple dish for picnics, BBQs, and summer gatherings worldwide.
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