Creamy Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 chomemade mayonnaise
- 2 tspdijon mustard
- 4garlic cloves
minced
- 1 tspred pepper flakes
- 3 tspitalian seasoning
- 1 tspkosher salt
- ½ tspfreshly ground black pepper
- 3 tbspfreshly squeezed lemon juice)
(from about 1½ lemons
- 3 tbspwhite wine vinegar
- 12 ozrotini or fusilli pasta
cooked according to package directions
- 1 cdiced small red bell pepper)
(from about 1 small pepper
- ½ cfinely diced shallot)
(from about 1 large shallot
- ½ csliced black olives
- 1 cdiced hard uncured salami
- 1 cdiced mozzarella
- ¼ cfinely chopped parsley
- ½ cthinly sliced basil leaves
- to tastekosher salt
Directions
Make the creamy italian dressing:
- 1
In a blender or using an immersion blender in a wide-mouth jar, combine the homemade mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and vinegar.
- 2
Blend until smooth and creamy.
- 3
Set aside the dressing.
Assemble the pasta salad:
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, bell peppers, shallots, olives, salami, mozzarella, parsley, and basil.
- 2
Pour the Creamy Italian Dressing over the pasta mixture.
- 3
Toss until the pasta is very well coated and all ingredients are combined.
- 4
Season to taste with salt.
- 5
Cover the bowl and refrigerate until just chilled.
Creamy Italian Pasta Salad
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 21 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Indulge in Our Irresistible Creamy Italian Pasta Salad
Looking for the ultimate side dish that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser? Dive into our Creamy Italian Pasta Salad, a vibrant and incredibly flavorful dish perfect for any gathering, potluck, or picnic. Forget bland store-bought versions; this homemade recipe elevates classic Italian flavors with a rich, luscious dressing that coats every single piece of pasta and fresh ingredient.
What makes this easy pasta salad recipe truly stand out is its decadent, homemade mayonnaise-based dressing. Infused with aromatic garlic, zesty lemon juice, tangy white wine vinegar, and a generous blend of Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, it creates a symphony of savory notes. The addition of Dijon mustard provides a subtle, sophisticated kick that perfectly complements the creamy texture. Every bite is a delightful combination of savory salami, fresh mozzarella, crisp red bell pepper, and briny black olives, all tossed with your favorite rotini or fusilli pasta.
Tips for the Perfect Pasta Salad
- Pasta Perfection: While rotini and fusilli are excellent choices for their ability to hold the creamy dressing, feel free to experiment with other short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne or farfalle.
- Fresh Herbs are Key: Don't skip the fresh parsley and basil! They add a bright, aromatic freshness that truly lifts the entire dish.
- Balance the Flavors: Taste the dressing before adding it to the pasta. Adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference for a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
This creamy Italian pasta salad is more than just a side; it's a centerpiece. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, barbecued ribs, or as a light lunch all on its own. Its generous yield of 8 servings makes it ideal for sharing, and its irresistible flavors will have everyone asking for the recipe!