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Get the Recipe Homemade Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
Homemade Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a must-have at summer potlucks and BBQs...or for a light, flavorful lunch. It's easy to make and ready in just about 15 minutes with a homemade zesty Italian dressing, lots of veggies, and extra cheese. A classic favorite!
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 223 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
Pasta Salad:
- 1 1 pound rotini or bowtie pasta or another small shape
- 1 1 bell pepper diced
- 1 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
- 1 1 cup black olives sliced
- 1 1 cup cucumber diced and seeds removed as desired
- ½ ½ cup banana peppers or pepperoncini sliced
- 2 2 Tablespoons shallot finely chopped
- 8 8 ounces Mozzarella pearls or diced cheese
- ½ ½ cup Grated Parmesan cheese*
Italian Dressing:
- ¼ ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes ½ teaspoon for less spice
- ½-1 ½-1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 ½ 2 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
- ½ ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook to al dente, according to package directions. I recommend testing the pasta a few minutes before the box suggests to make sure it is firm with a bite but done (this is al dente). Once it's cooked, drain and rinse with cold water.
- Meanwhile, prepare the remaining veggies and set aside in a large bowl until ready to toss with the dressing and pasta.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients except the oil, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until it is combined. You can also shake all the dressing ingredients vigorously in a jar until combined.
- When the pasta is ready, toss in a large bowl with the veggies and cheese, and combine with the dressing until everything is completely coated. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve. You can serve the salad immediately, it just may be slightly warm from the pasta. A little time allows the flavors to meld together, too.
Cup of Yum
Notes
Salt: There is more salt in the dressing than there would be in a typical vinaigrette for a green salad because it is flavoring all the pasta and unseasoned veggies. The salt is where we get the flavor and what makes everything delicious!
If using regular table salt, you may want to reduce the amount slightly. I recommend using fine sea salt.
- If using regular table salt, you may want to reduce the amount slightly. I recommend using fine sea salt.
- Vegan: omit the cheese or use dairy-free cheese.
- *Look for cheese specifically labeled vegetarian, if needed. Whole Foods 365 and BelGioioso make vegetarian parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Calories
223kcal
(11%)
Carbohydrates
6g
(2%)
Protein
7g
(14%)
Fat
20g
(31%)
Saturated Fat
6g
(30%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
11g
Cholesterol
22mg
(7%)
Sodium
912mg
(38%)
Potassium
149mg
(4%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
518IU
(10%)
Vitamin C
17mg
(19%)
Calcium
185mg
(19%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 223
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 223kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 22mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 912mg | 38% |
| Potassium | 149mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 518IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 17mg | 19% |
| Calcium | 185mg | 19% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.