When the weather warms up, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing dish that satisfies your taste buds and keeps you feeling light and energized. One go-to recipe that never fails to impress is the classic Italian Pasta Salad. Bursting with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and a variety of textures, this salad is a perfect addition to picnics, potlucks, or even as a side dish for a weeknight dinner. Let’s dive into how you can easily whip up this delicious and versatile dish in your own kitchen.
Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
– 12 oz of your favorite pasta (such as rotini or bowtie)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/2 cup green olives, sliced
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
– 1/2 cup bell pepper (any color), diced
– 1/2 cup salami, diced
– 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For the dressing:
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp honey
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, green olives, red onion, cucumber, bell pepper, salami, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss everything together until well coated. Make sure to mix gently to avoid smashing the ingredients.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Before serving, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil.
7. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the Italian Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature.
Enjoy this delightful Italian Pasta Salad on its own as a light lunch or as a delightful side dish with grilled meats or seafood. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, so feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies, cheeses, or even by adding some grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. Perfect for any occasion, this flavorful pasta salad will surely become a staple in your recipe collection!
