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Italian Pasta Salad

Delicious Italian Pasta Salad Perfect for Summer Gatherings

This Italian Pasta Salad is vibrant, fresh, and perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Fusilli Pasta can substitute with any pasta type or gluten-free pasta
For the Protein
  • 1 can Chickpeas drained and rinsed
For the Freshness
  • 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup Mini Sweet Peppers thinly sliced
  • 2 to 3 cups Baby Spinach roughly chopped
For the Flavor
  • ¾ cup Pepperoncini Peppers sliced
  • ¾ cup Kalamata Olives pitted and halved
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
  • ¾ cup Provolone or Mozzarella Cheese cubed
For the Dressing
  • ½ cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil base for the dressing
  • ¼ cup Red Wine Vinegar provides acidity
  • 2 tbsp Pepperoncini Brine or Lemon Juice adds additional tang
  • 3 tbsp Shallots minced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 2 tsp Dried Parsley
  • ¾ tsp Kosher Salt adjust to taste
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper adjust to taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta, then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set the pasta aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini brine (or lemon juice), minced shallots, garlic, dried oregano, dried parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper. Let this zesty dressing sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, while you prepare the rest of the salad.
  3. In the large mixing bowl with the cooled fusilli, add the drained chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced mini sweet peppers, roughly chopped baby spinach, sliced pepperoncini, halved Kalamata olives, grated Parmesan cheese, and cubed provolone. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well combined and the salad looks vibrant.
  4. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, toss the ingredients thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated with the zesty flavor of the dressing. Be gentle to avoid breaking the pasta or vegetables while mixing.
  5. Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the Italian Pasta Salad for at least 1 to 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a deliciously refreshing salad perfect for summer gatherings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 25IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

This Italian Pasta Salad is not only delicious but delightful to share with friends and family. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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