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Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad That Everyone Will Love

This Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and versatile dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces High-Quality Pasta Rotini or fusilli
For the Salad
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Pearls Can substitute with cubed fresh mozzarella
  • 4 ounces Genoa Salami Omit for vegetarian option
  • 4 ounces Pepperoni Can replace with diced bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoncini Adjust to your spice preference
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar White wine vinegar can be substituted
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil Use extra virgin
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Herbs Substitute with fresh herbs if preferred
For Garnishing
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • small bowl
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add high-quality pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, and dried Italian herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add the warm pasta and drizzle with half of the dressing. Toss gently to coat the pasta.
  4. Fold in mozzarella pearls, Genoa salami, pepperoni, pepperoncini, and any optional veggies or herbs.
  5. Pour the remaining dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine.
  6. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
  7. Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and give a gentle toss to distribute evenly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This salad is perfect for make-ahead meals as the flavors improve after chilling.

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