Italian Pasta Salad
User Reviews
4.7
54 reviews
Excellent
Italian Pasta Salad
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Brimming with bold flavors and hearty ingredients, this Italian Pasta Salad is a culinary ticket to the Mediterranean. It's a simple, yet unforgettable dish that promises to dazzle your palate and become a staple at your dining table!
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Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 1 pound pasta such as penne, elbow, fusilli or rotini
- 1 large green bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half or quartered
- 8 ounce salami thickly sliced or cut in small pieces
- 8 ounce bocconcini mini, or cut in half or quarters if using regular size bocconcini
- ½ medium red onion finely chopped
- 8 ounce spicy salami thickly sliced or cut in small pieces
- 8 ounce Monterey jack cheese cut in small cubes
- ½ cup kalamata olives sliced
Italian Dressing
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons parsley fresh, chopped
- 2 tablespoons oregano fresh, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried oregano)
- 2 tablespoons basil fresh, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried basil)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring to salt the water generously. Drain the pasta in a colander without rinsing.
- In a bowl or jar, combine garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix or shake until slightly emulsified.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, green bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, both types of salami, bocconcini, red onion, Monterey Jack cheese, and Kalamata olives. Pour the salad dressing over the salad. Toss to coat evenly, and chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld for an even tastier result.
Notes
- Pasta: You can use any type of pasta you prefer or have on hand. Short shapes like penne, fusilli, rotini, or bow tie work best for this salad.
- Salami: Feel free to substitute the salami with other types of cured meats such as prosciutto or even cooked chicken if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Cheese: If you don't have Monterey Jack, other semi-soft cheeses like Colby-Jack or Cheddar can be used.
- Dressing: The key to a good salad dressing is achieving the right balance of acidity and oil. Feel free to adjust the quantities of vinegar and olive oil to suit your taste.
- Make-Ahead: This salad can be made a day ahead, making it perfect for picnics or potlucks. The flavors will intensify and meld together beautifully in the refrigerator overnight.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.
- Customization: Feel free to add in your favorite ingredients or whatever you have in your fridge. This salad is highly adaptable!
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Serving
1serving
Calories
511kcal
(26%)
Carbohydrates
32g
(11%)
Protein
22g
(44%)
Fat
33g
(51%)
Saturated Fat
11g
(55%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
Monounsaturated Fat
15g
Cholesterol
53mg
(18%)
Sodium
1172mg
(49%)
Potassium
327mg
(9%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
380IU
(8%)
Vitamin C
16mg
(18%)
Calcium
245mg
(25%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 511 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 511kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Protein | 22g | 44% |
| Fat | 33g | 51% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Cholesterol | 53mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 1172mg | 49% |
| Potassium | 327mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 380IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 16mg | 18% |
| Calcium | 245mg | 25% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
54 reviews
Excellent
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