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The Recipe · No.501 · Pasta Salad

Pasta Salad, and where to source it

Pasta Salad — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Pasta Salad American 5best2buy.com

A pasta salad is only as good as its pasta and its dressing, so use a bronze-die rotini that grips sauce and whisk a real vinaigrette rather than pouring bottled Italian. Dress the rotini while it's still warm. Hot pasta soaks the vinaigrette up, where cold pasta just sheds it into the bottom of the bowl.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep15 min
Cook12 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineAmerican
Cost$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
Rotini
A ridged bronze-die rotini catches the dressing in its spirals; smooth cheap pasta sheds it.
1 lb
Source it →
Salami
Diced Genoa salami or pepperoni gives the salad its savory bite and a little fat.
4 oz
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Provolone
Cubed provolone or a sharp cheese adds richness that clings to the pasta.
4 oz
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Olives
Sliced briny olives spread salt through every bite.
1/2 cup
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Red wine vinegar
A real red wine vinegar whisked with olive oil and oregano makes the dressing that soaks in.
1/4 cup
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Bell pepper, cherry tomato, red onion
Diced bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, and thin red onion add crunch and color.
2 cups total
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
  1. Cook the pastaBoil the rotini in well-salted water to just past al dente, about 11-12 minutes, then drain but do not rinse.
  2. Make the vinaigretteWhisk the red wine vinegar with olive oil, dried oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dress warmToss the hot pasta with the vinaigrette while warm so it absorbs the dressing.
  4. Fold in the mix-insOnce cooled slightly, fold in the salami, provolone, olives, and vegetables.
  5. Chill and re-tossChill at least an hour, then re-toss and check for salt and vinegar before serving.
The Toolkit

Stockpot · Colander · Large bowl · Whisk

Straight Answers
Can you make Pasta Salad in an air fryer? — Not needed

It’s a salad — nothing to air-fry once it’s tossed. You can crisp a topping in one, though: croutons, bacon, or chickpeas in a single layer while you build the rest.

Can you freeze Pasta Salad? — Best fresh

Not really — the vegetables and dressing turn to mush once thawed. Salads are a make-fresh thing.

Can you make Pasta Salad ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it actually wants a few hours in the fridge for the flavors to settle. Make it ahead and give it a stir before serving.

Is Pasta Salad gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Pasta Salad vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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