This scrumptious Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is filled with veggies and recent herbs after which topped with an unbelievable do-it-yourself dressing. It is a staple pasta salad in our home- good for a easy weeknight meal or crowd-pleasing potluck providing.
Why We Love This Italian Pasta Salad
One factor I’ve realized over my a few years of feeding folks is that there are a handful of dishes which can be all the time assured to be a success with the lots. And hardly ever are they of the flamboyant or time-consuming selection. Simple and flavorful wins out nearly each time. This Italian Pasta Salad simply occurs to be a type of recipes. It comes collectively rapidly, is filled with recent veggies and creamy cheeses, and the entire thing is tossed in a straightforward however insanely scrumptious do-it-yourself dressing which may simply change into a staple in your house.
Another bonus? It shops nicely within the fridge, making it an awesome make-ahead meal. And the flavour truly improves because it chills. This means you may make it early and present up glowing whilst you fend off compliments and recipe requests. Yes, it’s that good.
Ingredients for Italian Pasta Salad
PASTA SALAD
- Pasta– We used penne, however rotini, farfalle, fusilli, or cavatelli work nice too.
- Red Onion– Red onions are barely milder than yellow onions and add pretty coloration to this pasta salad.
- Artichoke Hearts– We used jarred marinated artichoke hearts for further taste.
- Zucchini– We used uncooked zucchini. It absorbs the flavors and holds up nicely when storing.
- Tomatoes– We use cherry tomatoes as a result of they’ve a stunning candy taste and you may simply slice them in half and toss them within the salad. If utilizing bigger tomatoes, be sure that to take away the seeds earlier than dicing and including to the salad.
- Fresh Basil– Basil provides such a recent, fantastic taste to this pasta salad. If you may’t get your fingers on it, add some recent spinach.
- Black Olives– Sliced or halved.
- Mozzarella Balls– If you’ll find them, mozzarella pearls work nice right here! Otherwise, halved recent mozzarella balls work. That’s what we did right here.
ITALIAN DRESSING
- Olive Oil– Extra virgin olive oil is nice right here, however avocado oil works nice too.
- Red Wine Vinegar– In a pinch, we’ve used white wine vinegar and apple cider vinegar. Balsamic vinegar can also be scrumptious and provides the dressing a unique taste profile.
- Grated Parmesan– While we love recent parmesan, the canned grated stuff is ideal on this dressing.
- Garlic– Fresh garlic is finest, however garlic powder additionally works.
- Italian Seasoning– If you don’t have italian seasoning, you should use 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon every of basil and thyme.
- Salt & Pepper– To season.
How to Make Italian Pasta Salad
- Cook pasta as directed on package deal. Drain and rinse in chilly water.
- Slice and cube all of your veggies and toss them in a massive bowl with the cooked pasta.
- Whisk collectively the dressing components in a small bowl, or use a small shaker bottle or jar.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to mix. Serve instantly or enable to sit back for a number of hours earlier than serving.
Tips & Suggestions
How far prematurely can I make Italian Pasta Salad?
This salad will last as long as 4 days within the fridge. However, I discover that one of the best time to make it’s 6-8 hours earlier than serving.
How a lot dressing ought to I exploit for Italian Pasta Salad?
Our recipe makes simply the correct quantity of dressing for this salad. If you might be substituting a store-bought dressing, you have to about 3/4 cup.
What are one of the best greens to make use of in pasta salad?
One of our favourite issues about pasta salad is how customizable it’s! It’s an effective way to make use of up all these further veggies within the fridge. Some of our favorites are broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, bell peppers, asparagus, peas, and kale.
What is one of the best protein to make use of in pasta salad?
If you might be searching for a heartier pasta salad, including grilled hen, pepperoni, salami, or diced ham. Or a mixture of all of them!
What can I do if my pasta salad is dry?
If you’re making this salad forward of time, the pasta will take in many of the dressing and it will possibly appear dry. Simply add a bit extra dressing and toss to mix.
More Potluck-Friendly Recipes:
Italian Pasta Salad
This scrumptious Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is filled with veggies and recent herbs after which topped with an unbelievable do-it-yourself dressing. It is a staple pasta salad in our home- good for a easy weeknight meal or crowd-pleasing potluck providing.
Servings: 10
Calories: 327kcal
Pasta Salad
- 12 ounces penne pasta, dry
- 1/4 medium pink onion sliced skinny
- 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts chopped into chew measurement items
- 1 medium zucchini
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup recent basil tightly packed and sliced skinny
- 1 can black olives halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls halved
-
Cook pasta as directed on package deal.
-
Slice pink onion, quarter artichoke hearts, slice cherry tomatoes in half and cube zucchini. Roll basil leaves collectively and thinly slice.
-
In a small bowl, whisk dressing components collectively.
-
Add all components to a big mixing bowl and toss to mix. You can serve immediately, however letting the flavors marinate within the fridge for just a few hours first makes this pasta salad so a lot better! Add recent parmesan to the salad earlier than serving.
Calories: 327kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 449mg | Potassium: 236mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 287IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 1mg
www.superhealthykids.com
Natalie Monson
I’m a registered dietitian, mother of 4, avid lover of meals and powerful promoter of wholesome habits. Here you’ll find a number of scrumptious recipes stuffed with fruits and veggies, suggestions for getting your children to eat higher and change into intuitive eaters and plenty of assets for feeding your loved ones.