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Meet Your New Summer Bestie: The BEST Pasta Salad
Introducing a delightfully easy Italian pasta salad that’s sure to become your go-to dish this summer. With rotini, juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, red onion, salami, olives, and a drizzle of homemade Italian dressing, this pasta salad is both simple and delicious. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a quick meal using leftovers from your fridge.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta salad is versatile, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re planning a summer gathering or simply looking to enjoy a fresh and satisfying meal, this recipe is perfect. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover meats and cheeses you have on hand.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Knife and cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Jar or blender for dressing
Ingredients
Pasta Salad Essentials:
- 1 pound uncooked pasta (like rotini)
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese balls, cut in half
- 1 lb. salami or summer sausage, cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 3/4 cup pepperoncini (optional, but recommended)
- 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 each dry oregano and dry basil
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water for added flavor. Once done, allow it to cool slightly and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the dressing by blending or shaking all the dressing ingredients together in a jar.
- In a large bowl, toss together all the salad ingredients with about three-fourths of the dressing. Reserve the remaining dressing for later use.
- Refrigerate the pasta salad for 2-3 days. It often tastes best the day after it’s made.
Tips for Success
- Use a pasta with a good texture, like rotini, to absorb the dressing.
- Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have available. This recipe is flexible!
- For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge overnight.
Additional Tips and Variations
Customize this pasta salad by adding different vegetables, like bell peppers or cucumbers. You can also swap the salami for grilled chicken or keep it vegetarian by omitting the meat entirely.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
This pasta salad is a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. The fresh vegetables and herbs add essential vitamins and antioxidants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time? Yes, it’s actually recommended to make it a day in advance for the best flavor.
How long will this pasta salad last? It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer.
Conclusion
We hope this pasta salad becomes a staple in your summer meal rotation. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experience and any creative variations you come up with!
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