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Italian Pasta Salad

Fresh Italian Pasta Salad for Zesty Summer Gatherings

This Italian Pasta Salad is a refreshing mix of flavors, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 32 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound Fusilli or rotini Choose your favorite pasta shape.
For the Veggies
  • 2 cups Cherry tomatoes Halved
  • 1 medium Red bell pepper Diced
  • 0.5 English cucumber Diced
  • 1 cup Red onion Thinly sliced
  • 0.75 cup Kalamata olives Pitted and halved
  • 0.75 cup Pepperoncini Sliced
  • 0.5 cup Fresh parsley Chopped
For the Cheese
  • 1.5 cups Mini mozzarella cheese balls
  • 1 cup Fresh basil leaves Plus more for garnish
For the Dressing
  • Extra-virgin olive oil Key component for dressing base
  • White wine vinegar
  • Lemon juice
  • Honey
  • Garlic
  • Dijon mustard
  • Dried herbs
  • 1.5 teaspoons Sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper Add more to taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 1 pound of fusilli or rotini and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until slightly beyond al dente.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes, 1½ cups of mini mozzarella cheese balls, 1 diced red bell pepper, and ½ diced English cucumber.
  3. Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl with the prepared vegetables. Sprinkle in ½ cup of chopped fresh parsley and gently toss everything together.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together your homemade Italian dressing using extra-virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, garlic, and Dijon mustard.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and sprinkle in 1½ teaspoons of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss gently.
  6. Fold in 1 cup of fresh basil leaves. Adjust seasonings before serving, if needed. Garnish with basil leaves.
  7. Transfer the Italian Pasta Salad to a serving dish and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 590mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 6mg

Notes

For the best flavor, let the salad chill for at least an hour before serving.

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