why make this recipe
Italian Hoagie Pasta Salad is a great dish that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing. It mixes the delightful flavors of a classic Italian hoagie into a pasta salad. This dish is refreshing, filling, and can be a perfect side for barbeques, picnics, or casual dinners. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy pasta along with all your favorite Italian meats and cheeses.
how to make Italian Hoagie Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 8 oz penne pasta (that’s about half a box)
- 3 slices Genoa salami (chopped)
- 3 slices ham (chopped)
- 12 slices pepperoni (cut in half)
- 3 slices provolone cheese (chopped)
- ¾ cup chopped lettuce
- 15 cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ¼ cup red onion (diced)
- 3 pepperoncinis (sliced)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Italian dressing
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Directions:
- Begin by chopping the meats, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and pepperoncinis.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s tender. Once done, drain it and rinse it with cold water to cool it down. Then, add it to a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and stir until it’s well coated.
- Add in your chopped meats, vegetables, and cheese. Mix everything together.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. When you’re ready to serve, give it another stir and sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like.
how to serve Italian Hoagie Pasta Salad
Serve the pasta salad in a large bowl or in individual servings. It can be a main dish or a side dish, depending on your meal. Adding extra parsley on top can give it a nice touch and make it look more appealing.
how to store Italian Hoagie Pasta Salad
You can store any leftover Italian Hoagie Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 days. The flavors will actually blend more as it sits, making it even tastier the next day!
tips to make Italian Hoagie Pasta Salad
- Make sure to chop everything evenly so that each bite is delicious.
- If you like a bit of crunch, consider adding some diced bell peppers or celery.
- For a spicy kick, add some sliced jalapeños or more pepperoncinis.
variation
Feel free to change up the meats or cheeses based on what you enjoy. You can also use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option. Adding olives or artichokes can give this salad another layer of flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! It’s perfect for making a day ahead of time to let the flavors meld together.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can add cucumbers, carrots, or even avocado for extra flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make this salad without mayonnaise?
Absolutely! You can increase the Italian dressing or use yogurt as a healthier substitute.
Italian Hoagie Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Pasta and Dressing
- 8 oz penne pasta about half a box
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Italian dressing
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Meats and Vegetables
- 3 slices Genoa salami chopped
- 3 slices ham chopped
- 12 slices pepperoni cut in half
- 3 slices provolone cheese chopped
- ¾ cup chopped lettuce
- 15 cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup red onion diced
- 3 pepperoncinis sliced
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by chopping the meats, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and pepperoncinis.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s tender. Once done, drain it and rinse it with cold water to cool it down. Then, add it to a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and stir until it’s well coated.
- Add in your chopped meats, vegetables, and cheese. Mix everything together.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- When you’re ready to serve, give it another stir and sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like.
