Description
This Easy Summer Pasta Salad features a delightful blend of fresh vegetables and Italian flavors. Perfect for a quick meal or as a healthy side dish, it packs flavor and simplicity with its 4 key ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white vinegar (red wine vinegar works too)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 cloves garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons dry oregano
- 2 teaspoons dry basil
- black pepper to taste
- fresh herbs (fresh parsley, basil, or chives)
- 1 pound uncooked pasta (preferably rotini)
- 10 oz. package cherry tomatoes (2 cups), halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese balls, cut in half if needed
- 8 ounces salami, cut into cubes or thin strips
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 cup sliced pepperoncini
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Make the dressing by blending the dressing ingredients in a small blender or food processor.
- In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water. Toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with all the remaining ingredients. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together. Garnish with additional parsley for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
Double the dressing if preparing ahead for better flavor.
Feel free to mix in any fresh herbs of your choice for added freshness.
Customize the type of salami or olives to your liking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg