New Orleans is famous for many things, food being right up there on the list. When I was in New Orleans, I visited The Central Grocer. It is famous for its Muffaletta sandwich.
The Muffaletta is a delicious combination of Italian meats, cheese and it’s infamous spicy olive salad. All of it is piled high and sandwiched between the best round, crusty loaf of bread you have ever tasted.
It is a must have, when visiting the city.
This pasta salad was inspired by the Muffaletta of New Orleans. It is an amazing pasta salad with a spicy kick. It is filled with Italian deli meats, multiple cheese varieties and homemade olive salad. Your guests will love it! Believe me, you won’t be taking any leftovers home with you.
Amazing New Orleans Style Pasta Salad
Ingredients
6 cups Fusilli pasta (multi-colored if you can find it)
1 pot boiling water
1/2 cup red wine vinaigrette
1 cup zesty Italian dressing
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp Tony Chacheres Creole seasoning
1 2.5 oz can of black olives, chopped
1.2 cyo chopped green pimiento stuffed olives
1 cup hot mix giardideno, drained and chopped
1 cup diced onions (Vidalia if you have it)
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup combo of jalapeno and pepperoncini, chopped
1 cup chopped fat-free ham
1 cup chopped Genoa Salami
1-2 cups chopped mixed cheese (Swiss, pepper jack, provolone, cheddar, habanero or whatever cheeses you like)
1 cup chopped pepperoni (I like Battistoni)
Directions
- Boil water and add pasta. Boil till just tender - about 7 minutes. drain and rinse under cold water.
- Place cold pasta in large bowl.
- Add salad dressings and seasoning. Mix well.
- Add meats and cheeses and vegetables. Mix till well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- The next day, give it a good stir and serve cold.
The meats and cheeses can be swapped out, according to your taste. This is a very customizable recipe.