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–+ servings
Italian Pasta Salad

Vibrant Italian Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Summer Side Dish

Enjoy this Italian Pasta Salad with vibrant flavors, perfect for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 12 oz Fusilli Pasta can substitute with rotini or penne
  • 1 can Chickpeas or substitute with black or kidney beans
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved; grape tomatoes can be used
  • 1 cup Mini Sweet Peppers diced; or use regular bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoncini Peppers sliced; substitute with banana peppers if needed
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives or substitute with black olives
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated; Pecorino Romano works well
  • 1/2 cup Provolone or Mozzarella Cheese diced; crumbled feta is a good alternative
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach arugula can be used for a peppery flavor
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil avocado oil is a lighter alternative
  • 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar can substitute with white wine or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Pepperoncini Brine or Lemon Juice based on preference
  • 1 small Minced Shallots or substitute with red onion
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves or use garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano can use fresh herbs for a brighter taste
  • 1 tsp Dried Parsley fresh herbs are preferable

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Italian Pasta Salad
  1. Cook the Fusilli Pasta in a large pot of salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prepare the Dressing by whisking olive oil, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini brine, minced shallots, minced garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
  3. Combine the cooled pasta, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, sweet peppers, spinach, pepperoncini, olives, Parmesan, and provolone in the bowl with the dressing.
  4. Toss everything gently to coat with dressing and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Chill the pasta salad in an airtight container for 1-2 hours before serving.
  6. Serve and enjoy the vibrant Italian Pasta Salad with an optional drizzle of olive oil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 7gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow the pasta salad to chill for 1-2 hours to enhance flavors. Use fresh ingredients for best results.

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