Zesty Italian Pasta Salad (Print-Friendly Recipe)
Refreshing Italian pasta tossed with zesty dressing and aromatic herbs chilled to blend flavors.
# Ingredients List:
→ Dressing
01 -
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
02 -
¼ cup red wine vinegar
03 -
1 tablespoon lemon juice
04 -
1 teaspoon sugar
05 -
1 teaspoon dried parsley
06 -
1 teaspoon dried basil
07 -
1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 -
½ teaspoon garlic powder
09 -
½ teaspoon onion powder
10 -
½ teaspoon paprika
11 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Salad
12 -
¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
13 -
Cooked pasta, quantity as per package instructions
14 -
Pepperoni, sliced (amount to preference)
15 -
Salami, sliced (amount to preference)
16 -
Cherry tomatoes, halved (amount to preference)
17 -
Black olives, sliced (amount to preference)
18 -
Bell peppers, diced (amount to preference)
19 -
Red onion, thinly sliced (amount to preference)
20 -
Pepperoncini, sliced (amount to preference)
21 -
Mozzarella pearls (amount to preference)
# How to Make It:
01 -
Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, dried herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper together in a bowl or combine in a jar and shake until emulsified. Refrigerate until use.
02 -
Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and transfer to a large serving bowl.
03 -
Pour half of the dressing over the warm pasta and toss gently to coat evenly.
04 -
Add pepperoni, salami, cherry tomatoes, black olives, bell peppers, red onion, pepperoncini, and mozzarella pearls to the pasta. Toss to combine all ingredients well.
05 -
Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, up to 24 hours, to allow flavors to meld.
06 -
Before serving, toss the salad with the remaining dressing and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
# Extra Information:
01 -
Prepare the salad a day in advance to deepen the flavors.