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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