Print

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

5 from 7 reviews

A delightful and colorful Italian Pasta Salad recipe that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish. This salad features a medley of pasta, veggies, cheeses, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Salad:

  • 1 lb. fusilli pasta
  • 1 (15-oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup thinly sliced mini sweet peppers
  • 3/4 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
  • 3/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3/4 cup small cubed provolone or mozzarella cheese
  • 2 to 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped

Italian Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. pepperoncini brine (from the jar) (or fresh lemon juice)
  • 3 Tbsp. minced shallots
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 2 tsp. dried parsley
  • 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook pasta in a large pot of generously salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
  2. Prepare Dressing: Combine olive oil, vinegar, pepperoncini brine, shallots, garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and black pepper in a large liquid measuring cup or bowl; whisk well. Let sit while you slice and dice veggies for pasta salad.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix drained pasta, chickpeas, tomatoes, peppers, spinach, pepperoncini peppers, olives, Parmesan, and provolone. Pour dressing overtop and toss well to combine.
  4. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving.

Notes

  • For added flavor, you can customize this salad with grilled chicken, salami, or artichoke hearts.
  • This pasta salad tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded together.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian Pasta Salad, Pasta Salad Recipe, Italian Salad, Summer Salad