Crushed red pepper and pepperoncini add a little heat to this pasta salad with ham and an easy vinaigrette.
| Level: | Easy |
| Total: | 30 min |
| Active: | 30 min |
| Yield: | 4 to 6 servings |
Ingredients
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 small minced shallot
- 8 ounces dried gemelli pasta
- 4 ounces ham, cut into thin matchsticks
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
- 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup stemmed, chopped pepperoncini
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Whisk the oil, vinegar, red pepper flakes, shallot, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper together in a large bowl.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Add to the bowl with the dressing.
- Add the ham, tomatoes, celery, basil, pepperoncini and oregano to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The pasta salad is best if served right away.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | 1 of 6 servings |
| Calories | 294 |
| Total Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 11 mg |
| Sodium | 325 mg |
Reviews
Very good. Not very spicy but I omitted the pepperoncini seeds. I should have left them in. Had little fresh basil so used torn up baby spinach, some fresh and dried basil and dried oregano which I added to dressing to infuse the flavors. I’m sure fresh herbs would be better. Added fresh mozzarella (I would NOT recommend greeted) or use mozzarella balls. I also added sliced olives, and chopped baby carrots for crunch and omitted celery. Used green onions over shallot. Good way to use up various vegetables while keeping overall flavor carried by the dressing. Used penne pasta bc the store had no gemmeli, I think gemmeli would be preferred though penni works.
Great taste, easy prep and a hit with a gathering