Deli-Style Pasta Salad

Prep Time:  20 min        Cook Time: 10-12 min + chill minimum 2 hours, preferably 8 hrs
Serves 10-12

Ingredients:
Salad:
1 pkg. 16 oz. spiral pasta (tri-color rotini is my preference)
6 oz. thinly sliced hard salami, julienned or diced (can also use pepperoni)
1/3 c. shredded Parmesan cheese (can also use 1/2 c. cubed cheddar or colby-jack cheese)
1 can, 2.25 oz., sliced olives, drained
1 small red onion, diced
1/2 c. chopped green pepper
1/2 c. chopped sweet red pepper
1/2 c. chopped cucumber
1/3 c. chopped green onions
1/2 c. tomatoes, diced
1/2 c. zucchini, quartered and thinly sliced (optional)
Sauce:
2 T. dried parsley or 1/4 c. fresh minced parsley
1 t. dried oregano
1 t. dried basil
1 clove garlic, minced
1-1/2 t. ground mustard
3/4 c. olive or vegetable oil
1/2 c. red wine vinegar
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. freshly ground pepper

• Cook the pasta according to package directions, rinse with cold water, and drain.  Prepare veggies and sauce while pasta is cooking.
• Place pasta in a large bowl and add meat, veggies and cheese
• In a small mixing bowl, whisk together sauce ingredients.
• Pour over salad and toss to coat.
• Cover and chill for 2 hrs. minimum, best if 8 hrs (or overnight), stirring occasionally to redistribute sauce.
• Toss before serving.