Hot Pasta Salad Vinaigrette
A vibrant hot pasta salad with a tangy vinaigrette, ham, and mozzarella, perfect for casual dinners or gatherings, combining fresh flavors with comforting pasta.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 medium ribs celery, sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, diced ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 8 oz small macaroni shells ⓘ
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 8 oz ham, cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 8 oz Mozzarella cheese, cubed ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
- Add celery, onion, and garlic; cook about 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Meanwhile, cook shells in boiling water according to package directions.
- When vegetables are ready, add 1/4 cup olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, dry mustard, dried oregano, and dried basil.
- Bring to a boil, stirring until blended.
- Remove from heat.
- Drain the cooked shells.
- Mix the cooked shells with the vegetable mixture, ham, and mozzarella cheese.
- Serve immediately, sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute turkey or chicken for the ham, and use low-fat mozzarella. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the red wine vinegar by a tablespoon. This dish can also be made with gluten-free pasta shells for a gluten-free option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hot pasta salad as a main dish or a side at gatherings. It pairs beautifully with Pork Chops In Foil or a fresh Layer Lettuce Salad for a complete meal. For an extra touch, consider garnishing with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Pasta Salad Vinaigrette contains roughly 678 calories, with 15g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (54% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1005mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta salad a day in advance. Simply mix everything except the cheese and add the mozzarella just before serving to keep it fresh. Store in the refrigerator and serve chilled or warm it up slightly before serving.
What can I substitute for the ham?
You can use cooked chicken, turkey, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. If you enjoy the flavor of bacon, crispy bacon bits would also be a delicious addition to this pasta salad.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ham and replace it with additional vegetables or beans for protein. You can also use a plant-based cheese substitute to maintain the creamy texture without using dairy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).