Muffaletta Pasta Salad is full of olive salad‚ ham‚ salami‚ and provolone cheese all tossed in a tangy red wine vinaigrette. Perfect for Mardi Gras or any time you want a little taste of New Orleans. What Is A Muffaletta? The muffaletta sandwich is a famous New Orleans sandwich that originated at The Central Grocery in New Orleans. Created by a Sicilian immigrant‚ the muffaletta is made on a round loaf of bread stuffed with cured meats‚ cheese‚ and olive salad. Here is my version of the muffaletta sandwich. I have transformed the muffaletta sandwich into all kinds of recipes. Scroll down for more. Ingredients needed for Muffaletta Pasta Salad Mini Farfalle– you can use another pasta shape if you wish. Provolone Cheese– I get thick slices from the deli and chop them into bite-sized pieces‚ but thiner slices work too. Ham– I use deli-sliced ham and have them slice it a little thicker than I would for sandwiches. Salami– I use deli-sliced salami. Black and Green Olives– You will want to chop them up pretty finely so they get evenly distributed throughout the salad. Parsley– adds lots of fresh flavor. Pepperoncini Peppers– add some bite to the salad. Add fewer or omit them if you don’t care for them. Red Bell Pepper– you can use roasted red pepper instead‚ but I like the crunch that the fresh adds. Celery Red Onion– can use green onion if you prefer. Giardiniera Substitutions and Variations Use store-bought olive salad instead of making homemade. This is a huge timesaver. Use a different pasta shape. Penne‚ rotini‚ shells‚ and macaroni all work well. Change up the meats– capicola ham and mortadella are good choices. Change up the cheese– Monterey Jack and mozzarella both work well. You can also add a little Parmesan. Make in Advance I like to make this pasta salad at least 30 minutes ahead of time and let it refrigerate‚ but you don’t want to make it too far in advance. If making more than 8 hours in advance‚ wait to add the dressing. How To Serve This pasta salad is a wonderful addition to a Mardi gras Party and it goes great with- Burgers Southern Baked Chicken Molasses Mustard Chicken Thighs Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders Pepper Jelly Chicken Wings Slow Cooker Brisket More Muffaletta Recipes Muffaletta Pizza Muffaletta Dip Muffaletta Panini Muffaletta Quiche Muffaletta Salad Print Muffaletta Pasta Salad Muffaletta Pasta Salad is full of olive salad‚ ham‚ salami‚ and provolone cheese all tossed in a tangy red wine vinaigrette. Perfect for Mardi Gras or any time you want a little taste of New Orleans. Course Side DishCuisine SouthernKeyword Mardi Gras‚ New Orleans‚ pasta salad Prep Time 30 minutes minutesRefrigerate 30 minutes minutesTotal Time 1 hour hour Servings 8 Calories 498kcal Ingredients12 ounces mini farfalle4 ounces Provolone cheese‚ diced4 ounces ham‚ diced4 ounces salami‚ diced½ cup black olives‚ chopped½ cup green olives‚ chopped¼ cup chopped fresh parsley4 to 6 pepperonicini peppers‚ chopped½ cup diced red bell pepper½ cup diced celeryâ…“ cup diced red onion½ cup giardiniera‚ choppedDressingâ…“ cup red wine vinegar1 teaspoon sugar1 teaspoon dried oregano1 garlic clove‚ minced½ cup extra-virgin olive oilsalt and pepper InstructionsCook pasta according to package directions in a pot of salted water. Drain well.While pasta is cooking‚ get the other ingredients measured.When pasta is cooked‚ place it in a large bowl and let it cool some. Add remaining ingredients and stir to mix evenly.Whisk together red wine vinegar‚ sugar‚ oregano‚ and garlic in a bowl. Gradually whisk in olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss to coat evenly.Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving. NotesIf going to make more than 8 hours in advance‚ wait to add until closer to serving time.  Nutritional info is provided as an estimate only and will vary based on brands of products used. Not to be used for specific dietary needs.   NutritionCalories: 498kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 1219mg | Potassium: 290mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 686IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 137mg | Iron: 1mgWant to Save This Recipe?Save This RecipeThe post Muffaletta Pasta Salad appeared first on Spicy Southern Kitchen.