To make zucchini alla scapece pasta salad with mortadella, you’ll first need to prepare the zucchini. Start by washing and trimming the ends off of two large zucchinis. Then, slice the zucchinis into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of white wine vinegar and 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil. Add the zucchini slices to the bowl, and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Season the mixture with a teaspoon of salt and a pinch of black pepper, and let the zucchini marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
Next, cook your pasta according to the package’s instructions. We recommend using a short pasta shape, like conchiglie or fusilli, which will provide a good bite-sized surface area for the zucchini and mortadella. Drain the pasta, and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Return the pasta to the pot, and add the marinated zucchini slices, along with their marinade. Toss the pasta and zucchini together, and season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
Finally, add the mortadella to the pasta salad. Mortadella is a type of Italian cured meat that is similar to bologna, but with a more complex flavor. It is commonly made with pork and spiced with garlic, coriander, and pistachios. Cut about 1/4 pound of mortadella into small cubes, and add it to the pasta salad. Toss everything together gently, so that the mortadella is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
To serve the zucchini alla scapece pasta salad with mortadella, divide it into individual bowls or plates. You can garnish the top with some chopped fresh parsley or basil, if you like. This is a great dish to serve alongside a crisp white wine, like a pinot grigio or a sauvignon blanc. It’s also perfect for a summer picnic or a potluck, as it can be made ahead of time and served chilled.
In conclusion, zucchini alla scapece pasta salad with mortadella is a wonderful combination of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. The marinated zucchini is tangy and refreshing, while the mortadella adds a salty, savory note to the dish. The pasta provides a satisfyingly chewy backdrop for the other ingredients, and the whole thing comes together to create a light yet filling meal that is perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and enjoy!