Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing Recipe

 

In the realm of versatile and vibrant dishes, Italian Pasta Salad stands tall as a delightful medley of flavors, textures, and colors—a dish that effortlessly combines pasta with an array of fresh vegetables, meats, cheeses, and a zesty Italian dressing. Let's embark on a journey to create this crowd-pleasing salad that's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish.

The Italian Pasta Salad recipe offers a symphony of textures and tastes—a celebration of fresh vegetables, savory meats, and al dente pasta, all brought together by the tangy embrace of the homemade Italian dressing. Its versatility allows for personalization—add your favorite ingredients or adapt it to suit dietary preferences.

Whether served as a standalone meal or as a side, this salad embodies the essence of simplicity and deliciousness. With its vibrant colors and tantalizing flavors, it's sure to become a staple at gatherings, offering a refreshing and satisfying experience for all who partake.

Ingredients :

ITALIAN DRESSING
▢1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
▢1/4 cup red or white wine vinegar (I like using red)
▢1 1/2 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese (Note 1)
▢1 tbsp sugar (any)
▢1 large garlic clove, minced
▢1/2 tsp each dried basil and oregano
▢1/4 tsp dried parsley
▢1/2 tsp dried chilli flakes (red pepper flakes) (optional)
▢3/4 tsp salt
▢1/2 tsp black pepper

PASTA SALAD
▢300g/10oz spiral pasta, or other pasta of choice
▢180g/6oz thick sliced salami, cut into 2.5cm/1" batons (see photo in post or videos) (I use spicy salami)
▢200g/7oz baby bocconcini, halved (Note 2)
▢1 red capsicum/bell pepper, cut into 3cm/2.2cm strips
▢250g/8oz whole olives (I used Sicilian and pitted black) (Note 3)
▢2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (~1.5 Australian punnets)
▢1 cup (tightly packed) fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Place Dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well.
2. Cook pasta according to packet directions minus 1 minute. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop it cooking further. Shake excess water off well then transfer into large bowl.
3. Place remaining Pasta Salad ingredients in the bowl. Drizzle over Dressing and toss. Serve at room temperature.

MAKE AHEAD PRO TIP (NOTE 4):

1. SCOOP OUT a mug of pasta cooking water just before draining. Add 3 tbsp water to Dressing, shake well. Use this Dressing per above, but reserve 3 tbsp to freshen up pasta salad on Day 2 onwards.
2. Freshen up pasta salad: Bring to room temp or briefly microwave (cold pasta = dry) to warm gently. Toss with Reserved Dressing then serve.

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