Italian Pasta Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that combines the best of Mediterranean flavors. The combination of tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, savory meats, and tangy dressing creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Perfect for serving at barbecues, picnics, or alongside grilled meats, this pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Italian Pasta Salad
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Italy with this delicious Italian Pasta Salad recipe. Bursting with colorful vegetables, savory meats, creamy mozzarella cheese, and a zesty homemade dressing, this pasta salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish for any occasion. Easy to make and even better the next day, this salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients:
- Pasta Salad:
- 1 pound uncooked pasta (such as rotini)
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese balls, halved
- 1 lb. salami or summer sausage, cubed
- 3/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 3/4 cup pepperoncini peppers (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Italian Pasta Salad Dressing:
- 1 1/2 cups olive oil
- 1/4 cup white vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt
- 2 cloves garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons dry oregano
- 2 teaspoons dry basil
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water for extra flavor. Once cooked, allow it to cool slightly and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Dressing:
- In a blender or jar, blend together olive oil, vinegar, water, sea salt, garlic, sugar, oregano, basil, and black pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste and add fresh herbs if desired.
3. Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, salami or summer sausage, kalamata olives, pepperoncini peppers (if using), red onion, and fresh parsley.
4. Dress Salad:
- Pour about three-fourths of the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated. Reserve the remaining dressing to add to leftovers or adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Chill and Serve:
- Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. It’s even better when enjoyed the next day!
Tips:
- Cooking Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente to ensure it retains a slightly firm texture when mixed with the other ingredients.
- Dressing Quantity: Start by adding three-fourths of the dressing to the salad and adjust according to your preference. You can always add more dressing if needed.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the pasta salad in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to develop fully.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the salad by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or artichoke hearts.
- Storage: Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. If the salad seems dry after chilling, drizzle with additional dressing before serving.
Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful Italian Pasta Salad as a delicious side dish or light meal any time of the year!
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