Description
The Best Pasta Salad is a refreshing mix that’s perfect for summer gatherings, combining Mediterranean flavors in a quick, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz Pasta (Any shape like fusilli or penne)
- 1 cup Tomatoes (Ripe cherry or grape tomatoes)
- 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella (Small balls (bocconcini))
- 4 oz Spicy Salami (Can substitute with pepperoni or marinated tofu)
- 1/2 cup Pepperoncini (Or fresh bell peppers for milder taste)
- 1 cup Olives (Green or black olives, Castelvetrano for unique flavor)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Herbs (Such as basil or parsley)
- 1/2 cup Italian Dressing (Homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process; set aside to cool.
- Prepare Vegetables: While the pasta cools, chop the tomatoes, olives, and salami into bite-sized pieces. Slice the mozzarella balls in half.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together your homemade Italian dressing ingredients until well blended.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the chopped tomatoes, olives, salami, mozzarella, and half of the dressing. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve: Before serving, give the pasta salad a good toss with the remaining dressing to moisten everything.
Notes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg