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Creamy Italian Pasta Salad

Creamy Italian Pasta Salad

Description: This Creamy Italian Pasta Salad blends al dente pasta, crisp veggies, and a velvety homemade dressing. Perfect for picnics, family gatherings, or any occasion where a delicious and easy-to-make dish is needed.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • 12 oz fusilli farfalle, or penne pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup bell peppers diced
  • 1/2 cup black olives sliced
  • 1 cup salami or prosciutto chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
  • For the Homemade Italian Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp sugar

Method
 

  1. Step-by-Step Guide:
  2. Boil the Pasta:
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  4. Prepare the Dressing:
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and sugar. Gradually add olive oil, whisking constantly until emulsified. Stir in minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
  6. Mix the Salad:
  7. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, and salami. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  8. Chill and Serve:
  9. Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to let the flavors meld. Before serving, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Additional Notes:
For a vegetarian version, omit the meats and add more veggies like cucumber or artichoke hearts.
To keep the salad fresh, store in an airtight container in the fridge and add a drizzle of olive oil before serving.