Pasta Salad

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Servings: 8
Calories: 884 kcal per serving

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 pound uncooked pasta (rotini preferred for its shape)

• 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese balls, halved

• 1 pound salami or summer sausage, cubed

• 3/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced

• 3/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced (optional)

• 1/2 cup sliced red onion

• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing:

• 1 1/2 cups olive oil

• 1/4 cup white vinegar or red wine vinegar

• 1/4 cup water

• 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano

• 2 teaspoons dried basil

• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Halve the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. Dice the salami or sausage. Slice the olives, pepperoncini, and red onion. Chop the parsley.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, water, sea salt, garlic, sugar, oregano, basil, and black pepper until well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

4. Combine the cooled pasta, vegetables, mozzarella, salami, and parsley in a large bowl. Pour three-fourths of the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

5. Before serving, toss the salad again and add more dressing if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

• Feel free to customize with additional ingredients like artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.

• This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld!

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 884 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 48.8 g

• Protein: 26.3 g

• Fat: 63.8 g

• Saturated Fat: 15 g

• Trans Fat: 0.4 g

• Cholesterol: 59 mg

• Sodium: 2700 mg

• Fiber: 3.6 g

• Sugar: 3.4 g