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Italian Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad: A Colorful Make-Ahead Delight

Delight in this Italian Pasta Salad, a vibrant make-ahead dish featuring fresh ingredients and zesty flavors.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Pasta Use al dente pasta for perfect texture.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Pearls Opt for fresh mozzarella.
  • 5 ounces Genoa Salami Substitute with pepperoni or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
  • 1 cup Pepperoncini Milder alternative: banana peppers.
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers Diced.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved.
For the Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar Essential for acidity.
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil Extra virgin is recommended.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Herbs e.g., oregano, basil.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated or shaved.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Fresh lemon juice is best.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, dried herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm pasta with half of the dressing, tossing gently.
  4. Add the mozzarella pearls, Genoa salami, pepperoncini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes to the pasta. Toss to combine.
  5. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Add freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

This salad is incredibly versatile; feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences.

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