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The Best Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

A flavorful Italian pasta salad combining rotini pasta with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, salami, olives, pepperoncini, and a vibrant homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing summer side dish.

Ingredients

Italian Pasta Salad Dressing

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar (red wine vinegar works too)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 cloves garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons dry oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dry basil
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs if desired (parsley, basil, or chives)

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 pound uncooked rotini pasta
  • 10 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups)
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese balls, halved if large
  • 8 ounces salami, cubed or thin strips
  • 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoncini
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Make Dressing: Blend together olive oil, white vinegar, water, kosher salt, garlic, sugar, oregano, basil, black pepper, and fresh herbs in a small blender or food processor until smooth and well combined. If making ahead, double the dressing amount to have enough for the full salad.
  2. Cook Pasta: Bring 4 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon kosher salt to a boil in a large pot. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss the pasta with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Toss Together: In a very large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, salami, sliced kalamata olives, pepperoncini, red onion, and chopped parsley. Pour the prepared Italian dressing over the ingredients and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Garnish with additional parsley for presentation if desired.

Notes

  • Use rotini or another similarly shaped pasta like penne or fusilli for best dressing adherence.
  • Salami can be swapped for pepperoni or another cured meat if preferred.
  • Adding fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or chives enhances flavor and freshness.
  • Salting the pasta water is essential to season the pasta internally.
  • The dressing can be made a day ahead to develop deeper flavors and simply tossed with salad ingredients when ready.
  • Tossing the pasta with olive oil after rinsing prevents clumping and sticking.

Find it online: https://piesbyolivia.com/the-best-pasta-salad-recipe/