Pasta salad with cured meats
Pasta salad with cured meats is a versatile and refreshing dish, typically featuring cooked pasta tossed with ingredients like salami, ham, or prosciutto, along with vegetables and a vinaigrette or creamy dressing. It is a staple of Italian-American cuisine and a popular choice for picnics, potlucks, and summer meals due to its ability to be served chilled or at room temperature.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a balanced source of carbohydrates from the pasta, protein from the cured meats, and fats from the dressing and meats. It provides key nutrients like iron, B vitamins, and some fiber, with a typical serving containing roughly 350-450 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Vitamin A | 150 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.2 mcg |
| Zinc | 2.8 mg |
| Phosphorus | 220 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it represents a perfect fusion of Italian culinary traditions with the practical, communal eating styles of America. Nutritionally, the cured meats add significant sodium and umami flavor, while the pasta provides sustained energy, making it a hearty yet portable meal.
