Perfect Pasta Salad

[jglass]

Perfect Pasta Salad

SERVES 8 -12
1 (1 lb) box tri-colored pasta
2 cups chopped green peppers
2 cups diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cups chopped red onions
1/2 lb cubed provolone cheese (optional)
1/2 lb sliced pepperoni
1/2 cup sliced black olives
DRESSING
3/4 cup pompeian extra virgin olive oil
3/4 cup pompeian red wine vinegar (this brand is excellent in this dish)
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Mix together dressing first and set aside until sugar is dissolved completely.
Cook pasta according to box directions and rinse under cold water until cool.
Slice the sliced pepperoni circles in half and separate slices.
Mix together with pasta and chopped items, except the provolone cheese.
Pour dressing over it all and mix well.
Chill well.
Add provolone cheese to salad before serving, otherwise it gets soggy.
You may have to add extra red wine vinegar or olive oil to get it to the desired consistency.
Some people like it moist, others on the drier side.

[chubbyalaskagriz]

If I had any room left after eating a ton of janie's teriyaki chix legs, I'd then eat a wheel-barrow of this pasta salad!

[jglass]

I made this one tonight Kev and it was really good. I added some dried oregano and grated my garlic on a micro grater so is pretty much dissolved into my vinaigrette. I used white wine vinegar for a milder taste.
I tore up some fresh basil and italian parsley and threw in at the end.

Tuscany Cavatelli

SERVES 5
1 lb cavatelli or penne, uncooked
1 1/2 cups diced plum tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped pimento stuffed olive
1/4 cup drained capers
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 minced garlic cloves
1 pinch red pepper flakes
Basil or parsley to taste

Combine all ingredients together in a large bowl.
Cook pasta according to the package directions in salted water, until al dente, then drain.
Place hot pasta onto the tomato mixture and toss well.
Serve warm or room temperature.

[chubbyalaskagriz]

My Lord- janie. YUM!