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Ultimate Italian Pasta Salad: A Refreshing Summer Delight

This Italian Pasta Salad is a colorful, refreshing dish that's perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Rotini or Penne or Fusilli
For the Veggies
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
  • 1 medium Cucumber diced
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper diced
  • ¼ cup Red Onion finely chopped
  • ½ cup Black Olives sliced
For the Cheese
  • ½ cup Mozzarella Pearls
For the Flavor Enhancers
  • ¼ cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes chopped
  • 4 ounces Pepperoni or Salami sliced; optional
  • ¼ cup Fresh Basil chopped
For the Dressing
  • ½ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil high-quality
  • 3 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard omit for simpler blend
  • 1 clove Garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano or fresh
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • mixing bowl
  • Small Bowl or Jar

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes. Add pepperoni or salami if desired.
  4. Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to coat.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Before serving, fold in fresh basil and serve chilled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 9gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Serve cold for best flavor.

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