IC-Friendly Antipasto Pasta Salad
"This is a salad that also calls for tomatoes, salami and sausage, but I removed them because they are not really really bladder friendly. I cross-referenced the other ingredients with the ICadvice list, and they are all either “Possible” or “Positive” foods!" Says ICer Heather (Queensweater) who sent in this flavourful pasta salad recipe.
IC-Friendly Antipasto Pasta Salad
1 pound seashell pasta
1/2 pound Asiago cheese, diced (or use another cheese that your bladder can better tolerate)
1 (6 ounce) can black olives, drained, rinsed and chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (0.7 ounce) package dry Italian-style salad dressing mix (read the lables carefully so as to avoid excess addictives and chemical preservatives)
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (optional)
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional, you could also use some dried breadcrumbs for extra texture)
salt and ground black pepper to taste (both optional)
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, and cool under cold water.
In a large bowl, combine the pasta, salami, pepperoni, Asiago cheese, black olives, red bell pepper, green bell pepper and tomatoes. Stir in the envelope of dressing mix. Cover, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
To prepare the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, parsley, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Just before serving, pour dressing over the salad, and mix well.
Serves 4 as a main meal, or 6-8 as a side dish or starter