Italian Pasta Salad

This Italian Pasta Salad is loaded with salami, pepperoni, cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, banana peppers, olives, basil, and tossed in an easy Italian dressing!

ITALIAN PASTA SALAD

I’ve been on a roll with pasta salads lately! I love to make them for picnics and to keep in the refrigerator to grab for a quick lunch! They’re also great to grab to take on a picnic to the park or beach which is something my family and I have been doing a lot of lately. We’ll wake up and just head out and go on an adventure. I’ll pack some things up in our cooler and we’re out the door! Having things like this Italian Pasta Salad on hand is great for when we get to our destination.

TIPS FOR THE PERFECT ITALIAN PASTA SALAD

• I do recommend making the dressing ahead of time so the flavors can really blend together. I make it the day ahead of time and when I’m ready to add the dressing I give it a good shake and it’s ready to go.
• Like any pasta salad it’s best to add the dressing before serving or you could also add a little and reserve some of the dressing to add right before serving.
• Chill the salad before adding the dressing really helps too. I like to chill the salad after I add all the ingredients before I toss it with the dressing. I think it just helps hold the dressing better.
• I usually shake salad dressings in a mason jar but for this one I use a food processor to really blend the flavors together. I’ve tried it both ways and it really makes a difference!

Course Side Dish

Servings 8

Author Jenn Dempsey

INGREDIENTS

Salad

• 1 pound penne pasta or similar
• 3 slices Genoa salami cut 1/2 inch thick pieces and cubed
• 1 cup halved pepperoni slices
• 1 cup mild banana pepper slices, roughly chopped
• 1 cup halved black olives
• 8 ounce mozzarella, cubed
• 1/2 cup julienne cut sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup freshly chopped basil
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• pinch red pepper flakes optional

Dressing

• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTION

Salad

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. 
2. Drain under cold water. Set aside to cool.
3. Once pasta has cooled, add pasta to a large bowl along with remaining salad ingredients.

Full read at http://www.motherthyme.com/2018/07/italian-pasta-salad.html