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!

Course Appetizer, Salad

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Servings - 5 people

Calories 510kcal

Author Imma

Ingredients

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)

Dressing

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

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

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.
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.
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.

Nutrition