classic italian pasta salad
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 cup dried salami diced
- 1 cup pepperoncini diced
- 2 cups grape tomatoes halved
- 1 cup sliced black olives drained
- 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts chopped
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls halved
- ¾ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley minced
FOR ITALIAN VINAIGRETTE
- ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
- ⅓ cup pepperoncini juice
- 1 shallot minced
- 2 teaspoons whole grain mustard
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ⅔ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 lb. pasta according to package directions and drain.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup diced salami, 1 cup pepperoncini, 2 cups halved grape tomatoes, 1 cup sliced black olives,1 cup artichoke hearts, 1 cup mozzarella balls halved, ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, and ¼ cup fresh parsley.
- For the dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine ⅓ cup red wine vinegar, ⅓ cup pepperoncini juice, 1 minced shallot, 2 teaspoons whole grain mustard, and 2 cloves minced garlic (or frozen cubes). Whisk in ⅔ cup olive oil and season with a big pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Keep salad in the fridge for 2-3 days. If you can, make a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to marry with one another.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve with grilled chicken, fresh fruit, and a crisp green salad.
SWAP SUGGESTIONS
- Protein: Swap salami for pepperoni or shaved pancetta.
- Vegetarian: Swap the salami for 2 (15 oz.) cans of garbanzo beans.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten free pasta.
- Vegan/Dairy-Free: Remove the cheese and salami, and increase the other ingredients.
WEEKEND PREP / MAKE AHEAD
- Prepare the completed pasta salad and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Nutrition
Calories: 826kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 27g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 1373mg | Potassium: 517mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1494IU | Vitamin C: 41mg | Calcium: 393mg | Iron: 3mg