Zesty Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Fresh and flavorful Zesty Italian Pasta Salad Recipe loaded with bowtie pasta, cherry tomatoes, olives, salami, mozzarella balls, and tangy vinaigrette. This easy cold pasta salad is perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, and BBQ parties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: Boiling, Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
1 lb bowties, rotini, shells, or penne
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 (6 oz) can whole olives, halved
8 oz mini mozzarella balls
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 oz traditional dry salami, cut into thirds or quarters
3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 small shallot, minced
1/2 tsp coarse kosher sea salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 cup vinaigrette (Italian or favorite variety)
1/4 cup roasted red bell peppers, sliced
1/4 cup marinated artichokes, chopped
4 pepperoncini, seeded and thinly sliced
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large stockpot filled 2/3 full with water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Chill Pasta
Place drained pasta in the refrigerator while preparing remaining ingredients.
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, olives, mozzarella balls, Parmesan, salami, parsley, shallot, salt, pepper, roasted red peppers, artichokes, and pepperoncini.
Add Dressing
Pour vinaigrette over the salad and toss thoroughly until evenly coated.
Serve or Chill
Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 1 hour for enhanced flavor.
Notes
Cook pasta just to al dente to prevent mushiness.
Reserve a little extra dressing to refresh the salad before serving.
Substitute pepperoni for salami if desired.
Keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Find it online: https://elladishes.com/zesty-italian-pasta-salad-recipe/
