Cookin' With Leo

By Leocthasme

Well, I suppose my Dear Sweet Italian Fairy Godmother must love me. She has now gotten to the point of showing up just anywhere and for no apparent (watch that one) reason whatsoever. Maybe she thinks my longevity is short term intensification, whatever. Be that as it may she not only just pops up anywhere, be it the patio or the computer screen whichever, but she is piling my mind full of all sorts of Italian and Ancient Roman voracious food formulae, thus necessitating the writing and publication of a new book of food formulations which I have called “La Dolce Vita – The Sequel.” Any better ideas for such an opus of worldwide importance? It is now available to friend and foe alike. In any event I have here a new impartation from her and her Dear Sweet Italian Fairy Godmother Magic Wand, and she did not elaborate on some ingenious name, just called it Salami and Pasta Salad. And, how simple can that be? That is just what it is, Salami and Pasta with a bit of a nothing new dressing.

So let’s make some Italian Salami and Pasta Salad, it’s easy.

Here is what you need:

7 oz uncooked small pasta shells
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1 cup halved ripe olives
6 oz piece of Mozzarella Cheese, cut into thin strips
4 oz Salami slices, cut into thin strips
½ cup chopped green pepper
4 green onions, chopped

For the Dressing:

1/3 cup Olive Oil
3 tablespoons cider or red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried Basil
1 teaspoon dried Oregano
½ teaspoon Garlic Powder

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to package directions, drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large bowl and mix with the rest of the salad ingredients. In a large glass jar with a tight fitting lid mix the dressing ingredients. Tighten the lid in place and shake well. Pour over salad and toss to coat all. Chill until ready to serve.