Italian-Style Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that embodies the vibrant flavors of Italy, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with a dish that bursts with flavor and freshness. This recipe, with its combination of pasta, cheeses, vegetables, and a zesty dressing, is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Recipe Details
Name: Italian-Style Pasta Salad
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 5 hours (includes chilling time)
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Description: A flavorful pasta salad reminiscent of Antipasto, featuring fresh garlic and a harmonious blend of seasonings. Ideal for various occasions from picnics to weeknight dinners.
Recipe Category: Cauliflower
Keywords: Vegetable, European, Potluck, Weeknight, Refrigerator, Easy
Aggregated Rating: 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Review Count: 1
Calories: 573.9 per serving
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Fat: 38.4g
- Saturated Fat: 12.9g
- Cholesterol: 53.3mg
- Sodium: 882.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 36.3g
- Fiber: 3.4g
- Sugar: 4.6g
- Protein: 21.3g
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Salad:
- 8 ounces spiral shaped pasta
- 1 1/2 cups cubed provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 red sweet bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- Salt, to taste
Additional:
- 2 tomatoes, chopped (to add before serving)
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the spiral shaped pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain again thoroughly.
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Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with cubed provolone cheese, cubed mozzarella cheese, cauliflower florets, diced zucchini, chopped green bell pepper, chopped red sweet bell pepper, diced onion, sliced black olives, grated parmesan cheese, and dried parsley. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
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Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or a screw-top jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix until well combined.
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Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together gently to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing.
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Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 4 hours, ideally up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Add Tomatoes Before Serving: Before serving, add chopped tomatoes to the salad and toss gently once more to incorporate.
Tips for Success
- Cooking Pasta: Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente and rinsed with cold water to prevent it from becoming mushy and to cool it down quickly.
- Chilling Time: Allowing the salad to chill for several hours or overnight enhances the flavors and allows the dressing to infuse into the ingredients.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the salad before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or any other seasonings to your preference.
- Variations: Feel free to customize this pasta salad by adding other ingredients such as artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, or different types of cheeses according to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Italian-Style Pasta Salad is versatile and can be served as a standalone dish or as a side alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as part of a larger antipasto platter. It’s perfect for outdoor gatherings, potlucks, or even a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner when paired with crusty bread.
Conclusion
With its blend of textures from crunchy vegetables and creamy cheeses, paired with a tangy and herb-infused dressing, this Italian-Style Pasta Salad is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual family meal or a festive gathering, this recipe promises to be a hit with everyone who tastes it. Enjoy the freshness and simplicity of this dish that brings a taste of Italy right to your table.
