4ouncesof hard salami from the deli, sliced thick***
Cherry or grape tomatoes, optional (I use a pint box)
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Rinse with cold water, and then set aside to cool.
Rinse the lettuce, dry well, and chop into bite-size pieces. Halve the tomatoes, if using, and cut the salami into small pieces.
Add the lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, salami, and Italian dressing to the pasta and mix well. (I start with ½ cup of the dressing and drizzle a little more prior to serving.)
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
*The Good Seasons Zesty Italian packet calls for vinegar, olive oil, and water. I recommend using red wine vinegar for this recipe. Balsamic vinegar would be my second choice.**Baby spinach or baby kale are nice options if you'd like to make this salad for lunches throughout the week as they won't wilt as readily as leaf lettuce.***Dicing a thick slice of salami works well, although more recently I like to have the meat chipped at the deli counter. Then I roughly chop before mixing with the other ingredients. This way, a small amount of salami goes a long way in providing tremendous flavor in the salad.