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–+ servings
Italian Pasta Salad

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad for Vibrant Summer Days

This Italian Pasta Salad is a colorful and vibrant dish perfect for summer gatherings, offering a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and zesty flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz short pasta (like rotini or fusilli) Cook until al dente
  • 4 oz salami Use vegetarian substitute if desired
  • 2 cups grape tomatoes Diced
  • 1 cup black olives Pitted and sliced
  • 1 each yellow bell pepper Chopped
  • 1 each orange bell pepper Chopped
  • 1/2 cup red onion Soaked in water to tone down
  • 1 each cucumber Chopped
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella Diced
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese Grated
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley Chopped
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup olive oil Extra virgin recommended
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice Freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp dried oregano Or Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves minced garlic Fresh preferred

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • Medium bowl
  • Whisk
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and cool for about 15 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Set aside to let flavors meld.
  3. Chop the grape tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, and slice salami. Chop fresh parsley.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, salami, and mozzarella. Toss gently.
  5. Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad. Sprinkle in Parmesan and remaining parsley. Fold gently to coat.
  6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best flavor, always refrigerate before serving. Use an airtight container to keep leftovers for up to 3 days.

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