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Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad: Fresh, Flavorful & Versatile Delight

This Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant dish perfect for summer gatherings, offering a customizable experience that's quick and make-ahead.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Al dente pasta
For the Cheese
  • 8 ounces Mozzarella pearls or fresh mozzarella or feta
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste
For the Meat
  • 4 ounces Genoa salami or prosciutto
  • 4 ounces Pepperoni or other cured meats
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Pepperoncini or banana peppers for a milder option
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 each Lemon juice of one
  • 1/2 cup Olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried basil
For the Extras
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley finely chopped
  • Chopped veggies (optional) bell peppers or cucumbers

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • serving bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup of red wine vinegar, the juice of one lemon, ½ cup of olive oil, and a teaspoon each of oregano and basil. Whisk together until emulsified.
  3. Transfer the warm, drained pasta into a large mixing bowl and add half of the homemade dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly.
  4. Add the creamy mozzarella pearls, sliced salami, pepperoni, and tangy pepperoncini. Optionally add chopped veggies. Gently fold until well-distributed.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Before serving, stir the salad, taste, and add more dressing as desired. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For best results, prepare a day in advance. The flavors deepen and improve as they chill together.

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