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pasta salad recipes italian - A large, colorful bowl of classic Italian pasta salad, featuring rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, salami, bell peppers, and olives, garnished with fresh basil.

Classic Italian Pasta Salad


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  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A vibrant, flavorful, and easy-to-make Italian pasta salad, perfect for any gathering. Loaded with fresh vegetables, zesty dressing, cured meats, and fresh mozzarella, it's a true crowd-pleaser and one of the best pasta salad recipes Italian-style you'll find.


Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces (about 340g) short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne)
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
1/2 red onion, finely diced
1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup black olives, sliced (pitted)
8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), halved or quartered
4 ounces Genoa salami, cubed or thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped


Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions in well-salted water until al dente. Drain immediately and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks and cools, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, finely diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, diced green bell pepper, sliced black olives, halved or quartered fresh mozzarella balls, and cubed or sliced Genoa salami.
Step 4: Pour the prepared Italian dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 5: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. This chilling period is crucial for the best taste.
Step 6: Before serving, give the pasta salad another gentle toss. Stir in the fresh chopped basil and fresh chopped parsley. Serve chilled and enjoy this delightful Italian pasta salad!

Notes

For best results, make this pasta salad a few hours ahead of time, or even the day before, to allow the flavors to fully meld. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing overnight, you can add a tablespoon or two of extra olive oil or red wine vinegar before serving to freshen it up.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Sides & Salads
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
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