Description
A vibrant and refreshing classic Italian pasta salad featuring al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, savory meats, tangy olives, and creamy mozzarella, all tossed in a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, or effortless summer meal prep with customization options to add your favorite veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta Salad:
- 12 oz short pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, chopped
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup pepperoncini, sliced
- ½ cup mozzarella pearls (or diced fresh mozzarella)
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ½ cup salami or pepperoni, diced (optional)
For the Zesty Italian Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set the pasta aside to drain completely.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and black pepper to taste until well combined and emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, diced red bell pepper, sliced black olives, sliced pepperoncini, mozzarella pearls, thinly sliced red onion, chopped fresh basil, and the diced salami or pepperoni if using. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Dress & Serve: Drizzle the prepared zesty Italian dressing over the assembled pasta salad. Toss thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately for a fresh salad, or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- The pasta salad is very versatile; feel free to add extra veggies like carrots, celery, or artichoke hearts for more color and texture.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the salami or pepperoni and add extra mozzarella or chickpeas for protein.
- For best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator before serving, allowing the dressing to soak into the ingredients.
- This salad is great for potlucks and meal prep as it keeps well overnight in an airtight container.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preferred heat level or omit them for a milder taste.
