🇮🇹 Italian Pasta Salad with Parmesan Dressing
🧺 Ingredients:
For the Salad:
12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta like penne or bow ties)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup bell peppers (red/yellow), diced
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup black olives, sliced
½ cup mozzarella pearls or cubed fresh mozzarella
¼ cup salami or pepperoni, sliced (optional)
¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional garnish)
For the Parmesan Dressing:
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
1–2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
👩🍳 Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and rinse with cold water to cool. Set aside.
Prepare the Dressing:
In a jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Parmesan, garlic, mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onion, olives, mozzarella, and salami/pepperoni if using.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
Chill and Serve:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
🧀 Tips & Variations:
Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat.
Add-ins: Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes.
Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tuna.
Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days.