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Italian pasta salad

Italian Pasta Salad

Forget the store-bought pasta salads — this homemade Italian Pasta Salad is bursting with fresh, bold flavor you just can’t get from a bottle. Loaded with tender pasta, crisp veggies, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and tossed in a zesty homemade Italian dressing.
4.98 from 37 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Lunch, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 12 servings
Calories 389 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowls

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz dry rotini pasta
  • 12 sweet mini peppers, stems removed and diced can substitute with 2 large sweet bell peppers
  • 10 oz sweet baby tomatoes, cut in half
  • 2.25 oz can of sliced black olive, drained
  • 7 oz jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • ¼ cup pepperoncini peppers, finely chopped
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, diced
  • ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • ⅓ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Italian Dressing

  • 1 large shallot, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar can substitute with white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • pinch of red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • salt & pepper

Instructions
 

  • Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside. 
  • While the pasta is cooking make the dressing.
    Add shallots and garlic to a bowl along with red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar and a pinch of salt. Allow to marinate for at least 5 minutes.
    Then add remaining dressing ingredients and whisk to combine. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and set aside.
  • In a large bowl combine cooked pasta with mini peppers, tomatoes, sliced black olives, artichoke hearts, pepperonicini peppers, mozzarella, parmesan and fresh parsley.
    Pour the dressing over the top and mix until well combined.
    Season with additional salt & pepper to taste and serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 389kcalCarbohydrates: 33.6gProtein: 10.3gFat: 24.4gSaturated Fat: 5.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 13.5gCholesterol: 15.9mgSodium: 241mgPotassium: 89.5mgFiber: 2.8gSugar: 3g
Keyword pasta salad
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