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Easy Italian Pasta Salad

Easy Italian Pasta Salad for Effortless Summer Gatherings

Enjoy this Easy Italian Pasta Salad, a delicious and customizable dish perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 12 oz Uncooked Bowtie Pasta Feel free to use any pasta shape
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Can substitute yellow or orange peppers
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper Cucumber can be a lighter replacement
  • 1 cup Grape or Cherry Tomatoes Seasonal tomatoes work well too
  • 8 oz Salami Opt for turkey or pepperoni for a healthier version
  • 8 oz Mini Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini) Cubed mozzarella is a good substitute
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Pepperoncini Peppers Banana peppers offer a milder option
  • 1/2 medium Chopped Red Onion Green onions can give a subtler flavor
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata or Black Olives Swap with green olives for a different flavor
  • 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano offers a sharper taste if preferred
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Dried herbs can be used if fresh aren’t available
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Dried herbs can be used if fresh aren’t available
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil Avocado oil can be used for a unique flavor twist
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt can provide a healthier alternative
  • 1 tbsp White Vinegar Lemon juice makes a refreshing substitute
  • 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar Honey is a lovely natural sweetener
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Individual dried herbs can be substituted
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Use fresh minced garlic for a bolder flavor
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning to taste
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • spatula
  • Whisk

Method
 

Cooking and Assembling
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, toss with olive oil to prevent sticking, and allow to cool completely.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, mayonnaise, white vinegar, granulated sugar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt and pepper until smooth.
  3. Chop the red and green bell peppers, grape tomatoes, salami, mini mozzarella balls, pepperoncini, red onion, and olives into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with all the chopped ingredients and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Gently fold together.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is coated. Adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.
  6. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld. Toss before serving and enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For best results, consider making this salad several hours or the day before your event. It ensures the flavors meld beautifully for vibrant taste.

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