Description
A fresh and colorful Italian pasta salad packed with crunchy vegetables, mozzarella, salami, olives, and a tangy homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for lunches, picnics, potlucks, or an easy summer side dish.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 12 oz (340 g) rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, chopped
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- ¾ cup mozzarella pearls
- ¾ cup sliced salami, chopped
- ½ cup Kalamata or black olives, sliced
- ½ cup pepperoncini, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water. Allow it to cool.
- Prepare the vegetables and proteins: In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, mozzarella, salami, olives, pepperoncini, parsley, and basil.
- Add the pasta: Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill the salad: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Final touch: Before serving, toss the salad again and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami.
- Add artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- The salad can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance.
- If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, add a small splash of olive oil and vinegar before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
