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Flavorful Summer Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing and Salami

Flavorful Summer Pasta Salad - featured image
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A vibrant and easy pasta salad combining tangy Italian dressing, savory salami, and fresh veggies, perfect for picnics and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced (seedless preferred)
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup salami, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cubed cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)
  • 1 tsp honey or sugar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Shake off excess water well. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried basil, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified.
  4. While the pasta cooks, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and red bell pepper, slice olives, and chop 1 cup salami into bite-sized pieces. Shred or cube mozzarella cheese as well.
  5. Add the chopped veggies, salami, mozzarella, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley to the bowl with pasta. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to combine.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors mingle. Before serving, toss again and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.

Notes

Rinse pasta after cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping. Use fresh herbs for brightness. Add dressing gradually to avoid sogginess. Salad tastes best after chilling for at least 30 minutes. If dry after chilling, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, summer salad, Italian dressing, salami, picnic recipe, potluck dish, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/flavorful-summer-pasta-salad-with-italian-dressing-and-salami-easy-recipe-for-perfect-picnic-sides/