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Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad: A Flavorful Make-Ahead Winner

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant, make-ahead dish bursting with fresh flavors, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta Use your favorite shape, cooked al dente
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Pearls Substitute with fresh mozzarella if desired
For the Protein
  • 4 oz Genoa Salami Can substitute with pepperoni or omit for vegetarian option
For the Vegetables
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoncini Substitute with banana peppers if preferred
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers Use vibrant colors
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved for easy mixing
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil High-quality preferred
  • 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar Can replace with white wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dried Herbs Customizable blend of Italian herbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese Substitute with Pecorino Romano if needed
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice Adjust to taste
For Garnish
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley Omit if unavailable

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Chop the bell peppers and cherry tomatoes into bite-size pieces. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with vegetables, mozzarella, and salami.
  3. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried herbs, lemon juice, and parmesan in a separate bowl.
  4. Add half of the dressing to the warm, drained pasta and toss to coat evenly.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Toss the salad again before serving and garnish with parsley and additional parmesan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 12gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 8mg

Notes

This Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is perfect for make-ahead meals and is a great picnic option.

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