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Easy Italian Pasta Salad: The Best 15-Minute Recipe

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This easy Italian pasta salad everyone loves is proof that you don’t need to stress over a complicated dish to get a big result. It’s just simple, bold flavors doing their thing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
  • 1 cup mozzarella pearls
  • 1/2 cup salami, cut into small strips
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain in a colander and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Shake off excess water and set aside.
  2. Prep the vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, slice the olives and pepperoncini, and cut the salami into thin strips.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Whisk vigorously until well combined and slightly thickened. If using a jar, screw the lid on tight and shake for about 20 seconds. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, pepperoncini, mozzarella pearls, and salami. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is coated.
  5. Add the finishing touches: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top and give the salad one final gentle toss. Let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Adjust seasoning: Right before serving, taste the salad and add more salt, pepper, or red wine vinegar if needed.

Notes

For best results, let the salad sit for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature before serving. If making ahead, reserve a little extra dressing to toss in before serving to refresh the flavors. The salad tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian pasta salad, easy pasta salad, 15-minute recipe, potluck, summer salad, rotini pasta salad

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/easy-italian-pasta-salad-the-best-15-minute-recipe/