Easy Pasta Salad
Easy Pasta Salad – a classic Italian Pasta Salad loaded with fresh produce and Italian favorites like salami, black olives and cheese; tossed with a vibrant homemade Italian Dressing. Great for spring potluck, summer parties or as a regular low-carb meal!
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 10 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- ½ pound rotini pasta (, cooked according to package directions)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, ( halved)
- ½ cup red onion (, cut in half half moons)
- ½ cup red bell pepper
- 1-2 cups cucumber (, cut in half moons)
- 3/4 cup kalamata olives (, pitted and halved)
- 3/4 cup frozen peas (, thawed )
- 2 ounces mozzarella cheese cut into bite size pieces
- ¼ pound pepperoni , ham or salami
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (, chopped )
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, or feta cheese , optional ((optional))
- 2 garlic cloves (, minced)
- 1/4 dried teaspoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- 3-4 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1-2 basil leaves (, chopped leaves)
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Add water to a large pot, salt and then bring water to a boil. Once the water has boiled stir in the pasta, and cook according to package directions. Pasta should have a bite to it.
- 2
In a small bowl mix together the dressing ingredients; minced garlic, oregano, parsley, vinegar, basil, mustard , sugar salt and pepper and olive oil. Set aside.
- 3
In a large or salad bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomatoes, onion, red peppers, cucumber, olives, peas. pepperoni/salami/ham, grated parmesan cheese, bite sized mozarella cheese, parsley, fresh basil and ground pepper to taste. Pour vinaigrette dressing over the pasta and mix thoroughly. Cover and chill before serving.