Escape the summer heat with this vibrant and refreshing Italian Pasta Salad! Bursting with the flavors of sun-drenched Italy, this delightful dish is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light yet satisfying weeknight meal. Imagine the delightful combination of perfectly cooked pasta, juicy tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, salty olives, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette – all tossed together for a symphony of taste. This isn't your average pasta salad; we're taking it to the next level with authentic Italian ingredients and a simple yet unforgettable dressing.
Forget complicated recipes and endless chopping – this pasta salad is surprisingly easy to make. Ready to create your own taste of Italy? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and bring this delicious summer salad to life.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- Pasta (Rotini): 8 oz
- Short Privalone
- Sopressa
- Salami
- Spicy Salami (optional)
- Prosciutto (optional)
- Shallot: 1 (thinly sliced)
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Mozzarella Balls
- Red Wine Vinegar: 1/4 cup
- Olive Oil (extra virgin): 1/2 cup
- Garlic: 1 clove (grated)
- Parmesan Cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
- Italian Seasoning
- Calabrian Chili Paste (optional)
- Hot Pepper Flakes (optional)
- Pepperoncini (optional)
- Sweet Peppers (optional)
- Roasted Peppers (optional)
- Olives (optional)
- Basil
- Parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop up your desired cured meats (privalone, soppressata, salami, etc.) from the refrigerator.
- Thinly slice a shallot.
- Cut cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2. Cook the Pasta and Make the Dressing
- Cook 8 oz of pasta (rotini recommended) al dente in salted water. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 grated clove of garlic, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional Calabrian chili paste or hot pepper flakes.
Step 3. Combine and Toss
- Add the cooked pasta to the dressing and toss to combine.
- Add the chopped meats, shallot, tomatoes, and mozzarella to the pasta mixture. Gently toss to combine.
- Add optional ingredients like pepperoncini, sweet peppers, roasted peppers, olives, basil, and parsley. Toss again.
Step 4. Rest and Serve
- Let the pasta salad sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to come to room temperature.
Read more: Sicilian Penne with Cauliflower: A Flavorful Mediterranean Dish
Tips
- Use whatever cured meats and vegetables you have on hand. This is a great way to clean out your fridge!
- Make the pasta salad a few hours ahead of time for best results.
- Add extra parmesan cheese right before serving.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! It's even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle (bowties), or penne hold the dressing well and are ideal. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti.
3. Can I substitute ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to add or swap vegetables based on your preference and what's in season. Sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or different types of olives would all be delicious additions.
This vibrant Italian pasta salad is the perfect embodiment of summer in a bowl. Its simple ingredients and refreshing flavors make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. So grab your apron and get cooking – enjoy!