Antipasto Pasta Salad

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Spaghetti - 500 grams
2. Diced Italian Ham - 200 grams
3. Black Olives - 100 grams
4. Diced Salami - 200 grams
5. Sliced Mushrooms - 150 grams
6. Sliced Red Onion - 100 grams
7. Fresh Basil - 2 tablespoons (chopped)
8. Extra Virgin Olive Oil - 5 tablespoons
9. Red Wine Vinegar - 3 tablespoons
10. Salt and Pepper - to taste

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Boil spaghetti according to package instructions and cook until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water, then set aside to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine diced ham, salami, black olives, mushroom slices, and red onion.
3. Add cooked spaghetti to the bowl and toss gently to mix.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to ensure even distribution.
6. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
7. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approx. 600 per serving (based on 8 servings)
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 75g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 4g

Dish Characteristics:

• This dish is a classic Italian-style pasta salad with a blend of meats, vegetables, and a vinegar-based dressing.
• The combination of ingredients offers a variety of flavors and textures.
• It can be served as a main dish or as a side salad.

User Comments:

1. "This is a great summer salad! The combination of flavors is perfect."
2. "I love the fact that it's so versatile and easy to customize with different meats and vegetables."
3. "The dressing is really delicious and adds a nice tang to the salad."
4. "This is a great dish to make ahead of time and take to a picnic or potluck."
5. "It's a great way to use up leftover pasta!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use fresh ingredients for best results.
• Adjust the seasoning, including salt and pepper, according to your preference.
• If you want to add more protein, consider adding cooked chicken or shrimp to the salad.
• This salad can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before serving.