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Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad: Your Make-Ahead Summer Delight

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant celebration of flavors, perfect for any occasion, making it the ultimate make-ahead dish.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 3 cups Pasta Use al dente to maintain texture; gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini (zoodles) works great!
For the Salad Mix
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Pearls Substitute with fresh mozzarella chunks or feta cheese for a twist.
  • 1 cup Genoa Salami Adds savory depth; skip for a plant-based option or try marinated artichokes.
  • 1 cup Pepperoni Adds savory depth; skip for a plant-based option.
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoncini Brings tanginess and crunch; diced pickles can be used for a similar flavor profile.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Adds bright freshness and color; chives can be used as an alternative if you’re out!
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar Brightens up the flavor; white wine vinegar or lemon juice are excellent substitutes.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Herbs e.g., oregano, basil; feel free to swap in fresh herbs for a more vibrant taste.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese Imparts nuttiness; nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Colander
  • Plastic Wrap or Lid

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your favorite pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm pasta with half of the zesty homemade dressing. Stir gently to evenly coat the pasta.
  3. Stir in the creamy mozzarella pearls, savory Genoa salami, zesty pepperoni, tangy pepperoncini, and your choice of dried herbs. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the Zesty Italian Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Once ready to serve, take the pasta salad out of the fridge and drizzle the remaining dressing over it. Toss gently to combine.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, up to 24 hours. Add fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and fresh taste.

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