This is the easiest pasta salad with an Italian twist. My mom made a version of this pasta salad for almost every family occasion in the Summer., and it was always a big HIT!
It comes together quickly and is even better the next day. So it can be made ahead. Just be sure not to overcook the pasta so it won't be soggy if you make it ahead.
Here's what you need:
1 pound of pasta
black olives
roasted red peppers
mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
red onion, chopped
peperoncini
dry salami (like a hard salami), cut into pieces
cherry tomatoes, cut in half
artichoke hearts, drained
Parmesan cheese, grated
Don't like olives? No problem you can leave them out. Not a fan of peperoncini? Or maybe you prefer pepperoni instead of salami? It's okay... this is your pasta salad. All the above ingredients are just to give you an idea. What really makes this pasta salad is the homemade dressing! And it couldn't be easier!!
For the Homemade Italian Dressing you will need:
Red wine vinegar
Olive oil, preferably extra virgin
salt
pepper
Italian seasoning
In a large measuring cup pour 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar. Add in salt and pepper to taste. Then sprinkle in a generous amount of Italian seasoning. While whisking pour in 1/2 cup of olive oil. The dressing should come together an emulsify quickly.
Once you have cooked your pasta and it has cooled, add all your mix ins and then pour the dressing over. Cover and refrigerate before serving.
***Italian dressing a 2 to 1 ratio. 2 olive oil to one of vinegar.***
Tips:
Short cut pasta works best like rotini. You can even use elbow macaroni or shells. Just be sure not to overcook it.
Once the pasta is cooked and drained, run it under cold water to stop the cooking and cool that pasta off. If the pasta is slightly warm the dressing will soak in better.
The dressing can be made ahead of time, just be sure to stir it or shake it up before using. You can store it in the fridge in a jar with a tight fitting lid for a week or two.
When you buy a mixed seasoning blend like Italian seasoning it's always good to give it a shake to mix all the herbs together.
Summertime Favorite
Eating this pasta salad always makes me think of my mom. It's simple, delicious and a crowd favorite!
Do you have a favorite pasta salad? What do you like to add into yours? Please share in the comments.
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