Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1/3 c. red wine vinegar
- 1/4 c. pesto
- 1 garlic clove
grated
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 c. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lb. rotini pasta
cooked and cooled
- 1 pt. cherry tomatoes
halved
- 2 c. diced salami
- 8 oz. mozzarella pearls
- 1 c. sliced black olives
- 1 c. thinly sliced baby bell peppers
- 1/2 c. diced red onion
- 1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese
plus more for serving
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 c. chopped fresh basil
plus more for garnish
- 1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley
plus more for garnish
Directions
- 1
For the dressing: Whisk together the vinegar, pesto, garlic, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the olive oil, whisking constantly until combined. Set aside.
- 2
For the pasta salad: Add the cooked pasta to a large bowl. Add the tomatoes, salami, mozzarella, olives, bell peppers, onion, Parmesan, salt, basil, and parsley. Whisk the dressing once more, then pour it over the salad, stirring to combine.
- 3
Just before serving, sprinkle with more chopped basil, parsley, and parmesan, if you like.
Italian Pasta Salad
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 6 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any gathering or a delicious make-ahead meal? This Italian Pasta Salad is a true crowd-pleaser, delivering a delightful balance of savory and fresh ingredients that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy.
What truly elevates this Italian Pasta Salad is its rich, zesty dressing, a perfect emulsification of extra-virgin olive oil with bright red wine vinegar, savory pesto, and fresh grated garlic. This robust base coats every piece of rotini, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor and never dry. The careful selection of ingredients, from the creamy mozzarella pearls to the crisp baby bell peppers, guarantees a dynamic texture and taste experience.
When you dive into this generous Italian Pasta Salad, you can expect a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Tender rotini pasta provides the perfect canvas for a medley of juicy halved cherry tomatoes, savory diced salami, and briny sliced black olives. Creamy mozzarella pearls and sharp grated Parmesan mingle with crisp baby bell peppers and pungent red onion, all brightened by fresh basil and parsley. It’s a wonderfully balanced dish that’s both substantial and refreshing, making it an ideal choice for a variety of occasions.
This versatile recipe welcomes your personal touch. For a different protein, consider swapping the salami for diced pepperoni, grilled chicken, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Enhance the vegetable medley with cucumber, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also experiment with different types of short pasta like penne or farfalle. Don't have mozzarella pearls? Cubed fresh mozzarella works just as well for that creamy texture.
Perfect for a summer barbecue, a festive potluck, or a satisfying family dinner, this Italian Pasta Salad serves 10 to 12 people with ease. Garnish generously with extra fresh basil and parsley, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an inviting presentation that’s sure to impress.