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Easy Italian Pasta Salad: The Best 15-Minute Recipe

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This bright, zesty pasta salad is loaded with salami, mozzarella, crunchy peppers, and briny olives, all tossed in a simple red wine vinaigrette. Ready in 15 minutes, it’s a weeknight hero and potluck superstar.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 8 ounces Genoa salami, diced
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
  • 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium English cucumber, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, halved
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  2. While the pasta cooks, dice the salami, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, halve the olives, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the basil. Place all in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Shake well to remove excess water.
  4. In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk or shake until emulsified.
  5. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the chopped ingredients. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until evenly coated.
  6. Add the fresh mozzarella pearls and chopped basil. Toss once or twice more to distribute.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

For best flavor, let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or overnight. If making ahead, hold the basil and mozzarella until just before serving. The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian pasta salad, easy pasta salad, cold pasta salad, potluck pasta salad, 15-minute pasta salad

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