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The Best Pasta Salad Recipe

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3.9 from 32 reviews

This vibrant and flavorful pasta salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish. Featuring rotini pasta, fresh mozzarella, salami, colorful cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, pepperoncini, and a zesty homemade dressing, it combines Mediterranean-inspired ingredients for a deliciously hearty yet light meal. With easy preparation and bright, fresh flavors, this pasta salad can be made ahead and enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

Ingredients

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 (optional: parsley, basil, or chives)

Pasta Salad

  • 1 pound uncooked rotini pasta
  • 1 (10-ounce) package cherry tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups)
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese balls, halved if needed
  • 8 ounces salami, cut into cubes 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: Combine olive oil, white vinegar, water, kosher salt, garlic (or garlic powder), sugar, dry oregano, dry basil, and black pepper in a small blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and well emulsified. If desired, add fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives for extra freshness.
  2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking. Toss the pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking while it cools.
  3. Toss Together: In a very large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, salami, kalamata olives, pepperoncini, red onion, and fresh parsley. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  4. Serve: Garnish with additional chopped parsley, if desired, and serve chilled or at room temperature. The pasta salad can be made ahead and refrigerated; if making ahead, doubling the dressing is recommended to ensure the salad stays moist and flavorful.

Notes

  • Salting the pasta water enhances the flavor of the pasta itself.
  • For best flavor, use good quality olive oil and fresh herbs when possible.
  • Variations of salami can be used depending on preference; spicy or mild salami both work well.
  • If making the salad a day ahead, double the dressing to keep the pasta thoroughly coated and flavorful.
  • The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

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