My Pasta Salad

As I planned the menu for last night's dinner, I wanted something a little bit different to go with the usual deli sandwich on whole wheat bread.  While I searched the aisles of my local grocery store looking for a clue, the idea suddenly came to me - HOW ABOUT A PASTA SALAD?

I quickly headed for the pickle aisle to find ingredients for my salad.  When I got there, I automatically started reading the nutritional labels on the back of the products, hoping to find at least a few without all the harmful preservatives.  After spending more time than I had planned, I carefully selected my favorite peppers and olives from the shelf.

Next, I set out looking for a reduced-fat variety of pepperoni and salami .  .  . which wasn't as hard to find these days with all of us health-conscience shoppers out there influencing the market by our demand for healthier choices.

Economics aside, the salad was pretty tasty (if I do say so myself).

Ingredients ~
1/2 box small bowtie pasta
1/4 cup sundried tomatoes, julienne cut
10 slices pepperoni, chopped
10 slices reduced-fat hard salami, chopped
4 greek peppers, sliced
8 spanish olives, halved
8 pitted calamata olives, whole
1 fire roasted red pepper, chopped
1/4 cup balsalmic vinaigrette dressing
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Directions ~
Prepare pasta according to directions on box
Drain water and set pasta aside to cool
In a large mixing bowl, stir in tomatoes, peppers, and olives
Add pepperoni, salami, and dressing
Mix ingredients well
Toss in your pasta and sprinkle with shredded cheese

Serve warm or refrigerate until chilled for 1 to 2 hours.