Italian Pasta Salad
This Italian pasta salad is loaded with meat, cheese, and veggies, tossed in a homemade Italian dressing. A quick and easy dish that is perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, and backyard barbeques!
Servings: 8
Ingredients
SALAD:
- 1 (16 oz.) pkg. rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1 (8 oz.) cont, mozzarella pearls
- 4 oz. dry hard salami thinly sliced and quartered
- 2 c. baby spinach
- 1 c. cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 c. artichoke hearts chopped
- 1/2 c. sliced black olives
DRESSING:
- 1/3 c. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2-3 T. red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic pressed
- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 T. fresh chopped parsley
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- PASTA SALAD: Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and cool completely.
- In a large bowl, gently toss together cooled pasta, mozzarella pearls, salami, spinach, tomatoes, artichoke hearts and black olives.
- DRESSING: Add olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley, and red pepper flakes to a jar, secure with a lid then shake to combine.
- Pour dressing over salad and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper; gently toss to combine and serve.
Notes
Red onions would be a great addition to this salad. I did not add them because my kids are not big fans of onions. I also like to make a double batch of dressing to have on hand to add to the salad if not serving right away or serving the next day.
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