Name: Downright Delicious Italian Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound penne pasta, cooked al dente; 3 cups of cubed dry salami or summer sausage; 3 cups grape tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes), cut in half; 1 + 1/2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese balls, cut into thirds; 1 6-ounce can black olives (small or medium-size), whole or cut in half; 1 + 1/4 cups red onion, thinly sliced then cut into smaller sections; 1/2 cup deli-sliced peperoncini (from a jar); 1 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves, lightly chopped; Italian dressing, homemade (recipe below) or store bought; 1 cup virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1 clove garlic, pressed; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

This Italian pasta salad is packed with the fabulous colors and textures of Italy. Drizzled with a zesty homemade Italian dressing, this salad is loaded with a beautiful combination of flavors. It’s quick to make, and is an easy healthy recipe you can turn to time and again. Buon appetito!

Ingredients

Scale

INGREDIENTS FOR PASTA SALAD

1 pound penne pasta, cooked al dente
3 cups of cubed dry salami or summer sausage
3 cups grape tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes), cut in half
1 + 1/2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese balls, cut into thirds
1 6-ounce can black olives (small or medium-size), whole or cut in half
1 + 1/4 cups red onion, thinly sliced then cut into smaller sections
1/2 cup deli-sliced peperoncini (from a jar)
1 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves, lightly chopped
Italian dressing, homemade (recipe below) or store bought

INGREDIENTS FOR HOMEMADE ITALIAN DRESSING

1 cup virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 clove garlic, pressed
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

DIRECTIONS FOR PASTA SALAD

Begin by boiling the pasta (al dente) according to package instructions. Add the cooked, drained, and slightly cooled pasta to an extra-large serving bowl. Add in all of the other pasta salad ingredients. With salad utensils or tongs, briefly toss everything together until well combined.
Make the homemade Italian dressing (see below). Give your homemade Italian dressing one last whisk before pouring it over the pasta salad. Toss your Italian pasta salad again so the dressing covers all ingredients. If possible, allow the bowl of pasta salad to sit for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together nicely. But if you’re in a hurry, this delicious creation can be served right away!

DIRECTIONS FOR HOMEMADE ITALIAN DRESSING

In a glass measuring cup, measure out the olive oil and red vinegar.
Add in the lemon juice, garlic, granulated sugar, oregano, and basil.
Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: lunch, dinner, potluck, party
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian