Italian Pasta Salad
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5.0
30 reviews
Excellent
Italian Pasta Salad
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Loaded and refreshing! Made with tender pasta, smoked salami, fresh veggies and herbs, two types of cheese, and a tangy homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for a picnic or summer dinner.
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Ingredients
- 16 oz. dry Rotini
- 10 oz. hard salami, sliced 1/4-inch thick then chopped
- 3 cups (16 oz.) grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 (6 oz.) can black olives, sliced
- 2 cups chopped bell peppers (I like to use yellow and green)
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella pearls*
- 3 oz. freshly grated parmesan,** (3/4 cup)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil***
Dressing
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, or to taste
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to directions on package (I boil in 5 quarts water with 1 Tbsp salt) just barely to al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water then drain pasta.
- Immediately transfer pasta to a rimmed 18 by 13-inch baking sheet and spread out to cool for 15 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking and cooling chop ingredients and prepare dressing.
- For the dressing whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, mustard, honey, garlic, red pepper flakes and season lightly with salt and then pepper to taste.
- Add cooled pasta to an extra large bowl along with salami, tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, red onion, mozzarella pearls, parmesan, parsley and basil.
- Whisk dressing once more then pour over ingredients in bowl along with 1/4 cup pasta water. Toss well to evenly coat. Thin with more pasta water as desired and season with more salt as needed.
- It can be served right away or for a colder, more refreshing pasta salad, chill for 1 - 2 hours (or up to 3 days).
Notes
- *Chopped fresh mozzarella (log or ball shape) can be substituted in place of pearls if you can't find that size. Just cut into small cubes.
- **To grate parmesan cut into chunks about 1-inch then add to food processor. Process for a minute or so until finely ground.
- ***1 1/2 tsp dried basil can be used in place of fresh, but if using dried, mix it into the dressing.
- Recipe makes about 18 cups.
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Overall Rating
5.0
30 reviews
Excellent
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