Homemade Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
Homemade Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
Description
The recipe starts by boiling rotini pasta to al dente, then rinsing it with cold water to cool and halt cooking. A variety of fresh vegetables and olives prepare separately, adding texture and freshness. The Italian dressing combines red wine vinegar with garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, basil, parsley, oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper, emulsified with olive oil to coat the salad ingredients evenly.
Once mixed, the pasta salad blends creamy mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, enhancing richness and adding a mild dairy note. The salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it suitable for warm weather meals, picnics, or potlucks. The bold flavors and crisp vegetables make it a flavorful alternative to traditional green salads.
The recipe notes emphasize the high salt content which seasons both pasta and vegetables effectively and suggests using fine sea salt or adjusting for table salt. The cheese can be substituted with dairy-free or vegetarian options where desired.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad:
- 1 pound rotini pasta or another small shape, or bowtie pasta
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
- 1 cup black olives sliced
- 1 cup cucumber diced and seeds removed as desired
- ½ cup banana peppers sliced, or pepperoncini
- 2 Tablespoons shallot finely chopped
- 8 ounces mozzarella or diced cheese, pearls
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
Italian Dressing:
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes ½ teaspoon for less spice
- ½-1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon basil dried
- 1 teaspoon parsley dried
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 ½ teaspoons oregano dried
- 2 teaspoons salt fine sea salt
- 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.
Notes
- Use fine sea salt for seasoning; reduce amount if substituting with regular table salt.
- Omit or replace cheese with dairy-free or vegetarian alternatives to suit dietary preferences.
- Test pasta cooking time before suggested time to achieve firm al dente texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 223 kcal
% 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.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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