Italian Pasta Salad

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Introduction:

Italian Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make ahead and customize with your favorite ingredients. The tangy dressing combined with fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and savory meats and cheeses makes this a refreshing yet hearty salad that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course.

Ingredients (Serves 6-8):

For the Salad:

  • 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed fresh mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup salami or pepperoni, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

For the Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)

Optional Additions:

  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tablespoon capers for a briny bite
  • Artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor
  • Grilled chicken for added protein

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Dressing:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

3. Assemble the Salad:

  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, mozzarella, salami, and basil.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.

4. Chill and Serve:

  • Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  • Before serving, give the salad a good stir and taste for seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.

Tips for Success:

  • Cool the pasta: Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to prevent it from sticking together and to cool it down for the salad.
  • Let the flavors meld: This salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for an hour or two, as the flavors have more time to blend.
  • Customize to your taste: Feel free to swap in different veggies or cheeses to suit your preferences. Provolone or feta can be great alternatives to mozzarella.

Recommendations:

This Italian Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can be enjoyed as a stand-alone meal. It’s a great option for potlucks, as it holds up well and tastes delicious even after sitting out for a while.

Enjoy your refreshing and colorful Italian Pasta Salad!

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