A Big Salad

For all the Seinfeld fans out there, I'm sure you remember the "Big Salad" episode.  I used to watch the reruns every night.  It got to the point where there would be something that happened almost every day that would remind of a "Seinfeld Moment".  Well this recipe doesn't  have anything to do with Seinfeld.  It's just a "Big Salad".  The name says it all.  It's got all kinds of goodies in it. This could be a meal by itself.  Keep in mind this makes a lot so you might want to half it if you're only feeding a few or you may be eating it all week.

Loaded Anti Pasta Salad

1 package (16 ounces) medium pasta shells

2 jars (16 ounces each) giardiniera

1 pound fresh broccoli florets

1/2 pound cubed part-skim mozzarella cheese

1/2 pound hard salami, cubed

1/2 pound deli ham, cubed

2 packages (3-1/2 ounces each) sliced pepperoni, halved

1 large green pepper, cut into chunks

1 can (6 ounces) pitted ripe olives, drained

DRESSING:

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain giardiniera, reserving 3/4 cup liquid. In a large bowl, combine the giardiniera, broccoli, mozzarella, salami, ham, pepperoni, green pepper and olives. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; stir into meat mixture.

For dressing, in a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, pepper, salt and reserved giardiniera liquid. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.