Description
This Easy Summer Pasta Salad features fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes and mozzarella, creating a delightful, quick meal perfect for any occasion. Its simplicity and vibrant flavors will appeal to all pasta lovers, making it a go-to recipe for gatherings or quick dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons dry oregano
- 2 teaspoons dry basil
- black pepper to taste
- 1 pound uncooked pasta (preferably rotini)
- one 10-oz. package cherry tomatoes, halved (2 cups)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese balls, cut in half 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
- Prepare the dressing by blending the dressing ingredients in a small blender or food processor. It's recommended to double the dressing if preparing ahead of time.
- In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water to cool. Toss the pasta with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- In a very large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the remaining ingredients. Drizzle with the dressing and toss everything together until well mixed. Garnish with extra parsley for a nice presentation.
Notes
Feel free to customize the salad by adding more vegetables or protein as desired.
Double the dressing if making ahead to enhance the flavors in the salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg