Healthy Italian Pasta Salad

Healthy Italian Pasta Salad

from litecravings.com
25 min
6 servings

Whether you serve it as a side dish or the main event, Healthy Italian Pasta Salad is sure to please everyone!

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces uncooked short pasta ((like rotini))
  • 10 ounces cherry tomatoes (cut in half (about 2 cups))
  • 2/3 cup jarred roasted red pepper (diced (or 1 fresh red bell pepper))
  • 1 large green bell pepper (seeded and chopped)
  • 1/2 cup sliced olives
  • 4 ounces turkey pepperoni (sliced in quarters (use 1 can chickpeas to keep it vegetarian))
  • 4 ounces fresh mini mozzarella cheese balls ((I use the pearls))
  • 3 tbsp reserved pasta water
  • 1 2/3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil ((that’s 1 tbsp + 2 tsp))
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2-1 tsp kosher salt*
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes ((optional if you like some heat))

Directions

  1. 1

    Boil pasta according to package directions. BEFORE draining the pasta, reserve 3 tablespoons of the pasta water.

  2. 2

    In a small bowl or mason jar, thoroughly mix together dressing ingredients.

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, add all remaining ingredients. Pour in dressing and mix until all ingredients are coated.

  4. 4

    You can eat the salad right away, but it gets better as it sits in the refrigerator! I suggest making it the day before you want to serve.

Healthy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe | Only Recipes