Cheese And Pasta: Perfect Pairing For A Salad

Pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit any occasion, whether it's a summer picnic, a family gathering, or a quick lunch. A good pasta salad should have a harmonious blend of flavours and textures, and cheese is a key ingredient in achieving this balance. The type of cheese you choose can make a big difference in the overall taste and creaminess of the dish. So, which cheeses pair well with pasta salad?

Mozzarella and Parmesan

Parmesan, on the other hand, is a hard, aged cheese with a nutty, salty flavour. It can be grated or shredded and added to a pasta salad, where it will almost melt into the dressing. Parmesan is high in glutamate and tyramine, so it may not be suitable for everyone.

When choosing which cheese to use, consider the other ingredients in your pasta salad. Mozzarella goes well with lighter ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini and green onions. It can also be paired with grilled proteins or vegetables. Parmesan, on the other hand, goes well with stronger flavours such as pepperoni, salami, and red onion. It can also be paired with other Italian cheeses like provolone or mozzarella.

When preparing your pasta salad, it is recommended to rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to remove any starches left on the outside. You can also add in your favourite vegetables, meats, and cheeses. For a vegan pasta salad, simply leave out the cheese.

Provolone or Mozzarella

Provolone and mozzarella are both Italian cheeses that are commonly used in pasta salads. They offer distinct characteristics and are suitable for different types of pasta salads depending on the desired taste and texture.

Provolone is a semi-hard cheese with a smooth texture, ranging from mild to sharp in flavour. The aging process of provolone, which typically lasts from two months to over a year, contributes to its firm texture. It has a more pronounced and sharp taste, often described as tangy with a slight nutty flavour. Provolone is a classic deli cheese and is commonly used in sandwiches, where its mild flavour complements salty meats and other condiments. It is also a good choice for a charcuterie board, especially when paired with sharper cheeses. In pasta salads, provolone adds depth of flavour and can be a good choice if a more pronounced cheese presence is desired.

Mozzarella, on the other hand, is a fresh, semi-soft cheese with a milky, elastic texture. It is known for its exceptional melting properties and is often used in dishes like pizza and lasagna. Mozzarella has a milder, creamy flavour profile with a subtle tanginess. It is a perfect complement to olives, vinegar, tomatoes, and wine, which are commonly used in Italian cooking. In pasta salads, mozzarella adds a soft, buttery flavour and is ideal when a lighter, milder cheese is desired. It is also a good choice for its meltability, creating a creamy texture in the salad.

When choosing between provolone and mozzarella for a pasta salad, consider the desired taste and texture. Provolone is suitable if a bolder, sharper flavour is preferred, while mozzarella is ideal for a softer, milder flavour. Additionally, consider the other ingredients in the pasta salad. Mozzarella pairs well with tomatoes and basil, while provolone's stronger taste complements sandwiches and rich sauces.

In terms of health and nutrition, both cheeses provide essential nutrients like calcium and protein, but there are some differences. Provolone tends to have higher fat and sodium content, while mozzarella, especially the skim milk variant, is lower in calories and fat. If monitoring sodium or cholesterol intake, mozzarella may be the preferable choice.

Salami and Pepperoni

Salami

Salami is a type of cured sausage that is usually made from fermented and air-dried pork. It often has a strong, pungent flavour that can add a lot of depth to a pasta salad. When choosing salami for your pasta salad, look for thicker salami that can be cut into rounds and then quartered. This will give you nice, bite-sized pieces that will go well with the other ingredients in your salad. If you can't find thicker salami, you can also use thin salami from the deli counter.

Pepperoni

Pepperoni is another type of cured sausage that is often made from beef and pork and has a spicy flavour. It is a popular pizza topping, but it can also be added to pasta salads for a bit of heat and flavour. When choosing pepperoni for your pasta salad, look for packaged pepperoni or freshly sliced pepperoni from the deli counter. Cut the pepperoni into quarters to ensure it is a similar size to the other ingredients in your salad.

Cheese Pairings

When choosing a cheese to pair with salami and pepperoni in your pasta salad, consider using provolone or mozzarella cheese. These cheeses will complement the flavours of the meats well without overwhelming them. Cut the cheese into cubes so that it mixes well with the other ingredients. You can also add freshly grated Parmesan cheese to your pasta salad for some nutty, salty flavour.

Other Ingredients

In addition to salami, pepperoni, and cheese, you may want to include other ingredients in your pasta salad to round out the dish. Here are some suggestions:

• Pasta: Choose your favourite shape, such as fusilli or rotini, which have ridges that can hold onto the dressing.
• Vegetables: Bell peppers (green, red, or a mix of colours), cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions will add colour, flavour, and crunch to your pasta salad.
• Olives: Black or green olives will provide a briny bite and pair well with the other Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.
• Dressing: A creamy Italian dressing made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, red chilli flakes, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, and honey will tie all of the ingredients together.

Tomatoes and Cucumber

A pasta salad with tomatoes and cucumber is a refreshing and tasty dish, perfect for a summer gathering or a light lunch. This recipe is simple, but full of flavour and colour. It can be adapted to your taste and is a great make-ahead dish, as the ingredients benefit from being left to sit and soak up the flavours.

Ingredients

For a simple pasta salad, you will need:

• Pasta (fusilli, penne, rotini, farfalle, or any other variety of your choice)
• Tomatoes (cherry or grape)
• Cucumber (English or hothouse cucumbers are recommended due to their firmer texture and fewer seeds)
• Cheese (mozzarella, parmesan, feta, or another cheese of your choice)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Herbs (fresh basil is a popular choice)
• Other vegetables of your choice (bell peppers, onions, spinach, carrots, and olives are all options)

Optional Ingredients

You can also add:

• A protein source such as grilled shrimp, steak, chicken, or tofu
• Dressing or mayonnaise
• Spices and seasonings (oregano, garlic powder, paprika, and Greek seasoning are all recommended)

Method

• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted water.
• While the pasta is cooking, chop the tomatoes, cucumbers, and any other vegetables or herbs you are using.
• Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water.
• Combine the pasta, vegetables, and herbs in a large bowl.
• Add your choice of cheese. Fresh mozzarella balls or grated parmesan are popular options.
• If using a dressing, prepare it separately by combining olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. Whisk or shake the ingredients together.
• Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, and toss to coat everything evenly.
• Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld. It can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a few days.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad can be served as a side dish at a picnic or barbecue, or enjoyed as a light lunch. It pairs well with grilled chicken or other proteins.

Red onion and Pepperoncini

When making a pasta salad with red onion and pepperoncini, it is best to use a pasta shape with a lot of texture and nooks and crannies, such as fusilli, penne, rotini, or farfalle. These shapes will help to trap the dressing and stop it from pooling at the bottom of the bowl.

For the cheese, you could use mozzarella, parmesan, or provolone. Mozzarella is a soft, mild, and creamy cheese that will provide a lovely contrast to the sharper flavours of the red onion and pepperoncini. Parmesan, on the other hand, has a strong, salty flavour and a hard, crumbly texture. It will add a nice savoury note to the salad. Finally, provolone is a good choice if you want a stronger flavour, as it has a more pungent taste than mozzarella.

To prepare the red onion, dice it into small pieces. You could also slice it into thin strips if you want to use it as a garnish. For the pepperoncini, you can usually buy them pre-sliced in a jar, but if you can only find whole ones, slice them into thin rings or strips.

In terms of quantities, a good rule of thumb is to use about 1/2 cup of sliced red onion and 1/4 cup of pepperoncini per pound of pasta. However, if you really like the flavour of these ingredients, you can always add more!

When assembling the pasta salad, start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to remove any starch. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, red onion, pepperoncini, cheese, and any other ingredients you are using (such as vegetables, herbs, or meat).

Finally, prepare your dressing by whisking together ingredients such as olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. You can also add a splash of the brine from the pepperoncini jar to give your dressing an extra tangy kick. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together until it is well combined.

Cover and refrigerate your pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavours to meld together and improve the taste.

Frequently asked questions