The Best Easy Italian Pasta Salad

Hello there, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes – The Best Easy Italian Pasta Salad. This delightful dish is a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and convenience, making it an ideal choice for picnics, potlucks, or simply a delicious lunch or dinner option. Prepare to be swept away by the tantalizing aromas and vibrant colors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more!

Ingredients

• 1 pound fusilli pasta (or any other short pasta shape)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, diced or pearls
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup diced salami or pepperoni (optional)
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, black olives, salami (if using), and red onion.
3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and give it one final toss.
6. Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Enjoy this delightful Italian pasta salad chilled or at room temperature!

Additional Tips

• Feel free to customize the ingredients according to your preferences. You can add or substitute vegetables like diced bell peppers, cucumber, or artichoke hearts.
• For a vegetarian option, simply omit the salami or pepperoni.
• Adjust the amount of dressing to your liking. If you prefer a more generous coating, feel free to increase the quantities.
• Leftover pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Nutritional Value

This Italian pasta salad is not only delicious but also provides a decent amount of nutrients. Each serving contains:

• Carbohydrates from the pasta
• Protein from the cheese and salami (if using)
• Healthy fats from the olive oil
• Vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and herbs

Remember, moderation is key, and this pasta salad can be a part of a balanced and varied diet.