Description
This Easy Summer Pasta Salad features a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. Perfect for a quick dinner or picnic, this dish showcases cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and olives, all tossed in a zesty dressing. A must-try for those craving easy, homemade summer recipes!
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)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 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
- Blend the dressing ingredients in a small blender or food processor until smooth. Double the dressing if preparing in advance.
- In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water. Toss with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- In a very large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the remaining ingredients. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to combine. Top with extra parsley for presentation!
Notes
You can add a variety of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.
Feel free to double the dressing if you’re making this ahead of time; it stores well.
For a vegetarian option, omit the salami.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
