Marinated Italian Pasta Salad

Prep : 15 minutes  + chillings ... serves 12

When I have guests coming over or a busy day ahead, I like to make this salad because I prepare it the day before.

1 ..................package (16 ounces) medium pasta shells
1/4 ..............pound hard salami, cubed
1/4 ..............pound sliced pepperoni, halved
1 .................block (4 ounces) provolone cheese, cubed
4 .................medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
4 .................celery ribs, chopped
1 .................medium green pepper, chopped
1/2 ..............cup sliced pimiento-stuffed olives
1/2 ..............cup sliced ripe olives
1 .................bottle (8 ounces) Italian salad dressing
2 .................teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 ..............teaspoon pepper

1.          Cook pasta according to package directions; drain pasta and rinse in cold water.
2.          Place in a gallon-size resealable plastic bag; add the salami, pepperoni, cheese, vegetables and olives. Add the salad dressing, oregano and pepper; seal and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Transfer to a serving bowl.

Light-Bodied White Wine

Enjoy this recipe with a light-bodied white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.