05/28/2026
If you’re looking for a pasta salad that actually steals the show, this one delivers! It starts with a smoky, nutty Romesco-inspired dressing made with roasted red peppers and almonds, then gets an Italian-inspired upgrade with spicy Calabrian chili and crispy griddled deli meats.
Tangy, savory, smoky, and loaded with texture, this is the kind of side dish everyone goes back for...and immediately asks you how you made it.
Pasta Salad
1 lb (450–500 g) short pasta, such as orecchiette or cavatappi
* 1 tbsp kosher salt (for the pasta water)
* ¼ lb (110 g) hot mortadella, cut into ½-inch x 2-inch strips
* ¼ lb (120 g) Genoa salami, cut into ½-inch x 2-inch strips
* ¼ lb (120 g) pepperoni, halved
* 1 cup roasted red peppers, drained, patted dry, and sliced
* 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
* ¾ cup hot pickled chili peppers or pepperoncini, sliced
* ¾ cup Castelvetrano olives, pitted and halved
* ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
* 7 oz (200 g) provolone cheese, diced
* ½ cup fresh basil, torn
* ⅓ cup fresh parsley, chopped
* ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds
* ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Calabrian Chili Romesco Dressing
* 1 cup roasted red peppers, drained and patted dry
* ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
* ¼ cup toasted almonds
* 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
* 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
* 1 tbsp Calabrian chili paste
* 1 tbsp tomato paste
* 1 small garlic clove, grated
* 1 tsp honey
* ¾ tsp smoked paprika
* ¾ tsp kosher salt
* ½ tsp dried oregano
* ¼ tsp black pepper
* 2–4 tbsp cold water, as needed to loosen the dressing
Instructions are in the comments, if you'd like a personal copy send us a DM and type RECIPE!
This recipe was shared by Hestan Culinary & prepared by Chef James at Zimmy's Nook!
Recipe: https://zimmysnook.ca/spicy-chopped-italian-romesco-pasta-salad-with-crispy-meats/Spicy Chopped Italian Romesco Pasta Salad with Crispy MeatsIf you w...