Hero Pasta Salad

Ingredients

For the Salad:
-3 ounces rotini, cavatelli or other dried shaped pasta (1 cup)
-1 cup cubed provolone cheese (4 ounces)
-2 ounces fully cooked ham, cut into thin bitesize strips (1/2 cup)
-2 ounces hard salami, chopped (1/2 cup)
-1 small red onion, halved then sliced
-1/2 cup pepperoncini, sliced or sliced mild pepper rings
-2 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
-1 large tomato, coarsely chopped or 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
For the Dressing:
-3 tablespoons olive oil or salad oil
-3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
-1 tablespoon snipped fresh oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
-2 small cloves garlic, minced
-1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
-1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

Directions

In a large saucepan or pasta pot bring 3 quarts water to a boil. Add pasta. Reduce heat slightly. Boil, uncovered, for 8-12 minutes, or till pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally. (Or, cook according to package directions.) Immediately drain. Rinse with cold water and drain again thoroughly.

In a large bowl toss together cooked pasta, provolone cheese, ham, salami, onion and pepperoncini or pepper rings. Add lettuce and tomato; gently toss to mix.

In a screw-top jar combine olive oil or salad oil, vinegar, oregano, garlic, dry mustard and pepper. Cover; shake well. Pour over pasta mixture; toss to coat all ingredients with dressing and serve.