18 Italian Pasta Salad Recipe With Olive Oil Unlock Flavor Sensations!

Published on: Mar 17, 2024

Are you looking for a delicious and simple dish to add to your next summer barbecue or potluck? Look no further than this Italian pasta salad recipe with olive oil. This classic dish is bursting with flavor and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Made with fresh vegetables, flavorful herbs, and a tangy dressing, this pasta salad is a perfect accompaniment to any meal or can even stand alone as a light and refreshing lunch option. So, let's dive into this easy and tasty recipe and add some Italian flair to your next gathering.

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Italian pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish. It's the perfect addition to any summer BBQ, potluck, or picnic. With its colorful and flavorful ingredients, it's sure to be a hit with everyone. One of the reasons why Italian pasta salad is so popular is because it's light and refreshing. Made with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing, it's the perfect dish for those hot summer days. It's also a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables, making it a healthy option for any meal. This recipe for Italian pasta salad is not only delicious, but it's also incredibly easy to make. It only requires a few simple ingredients and can be made in under 30 minutes. This makes it a great option for those busy weeknights when you still want a tasty and satisfying meal. If you're a fan of bold flavors, then this zesty Italian pasta salad is the perfect recipe for you. It's made with a combination of tangy Italian dressing, spicy pepperoncini peppers, and salty olives. These bold flavors come together to create a dish that is sure to please your taste buds. If you have a gluten intolerance or are simply looking for a healthier option, this gluten-free Italian pasta salad is a great choice. It's made with gluten-free pasta and a homemade dressing that is free of any gluten-containing ingredients. This means you can enjoy this delicious dish without any worries. This version of Italian pasta salad features a light and tangy lemon vinaigrette dressing. The bright and fresh flavors of the lemon pair perfectly with the vegetables and pasta, creating a dish that is both refreshing and satisfying. It's a great option for a summer lunch or dinner. If you're looking for a gluten-free version of a zesty Italian pasta salad, then this recipe is for you. It's made with gluten-free pasta and a homemade dressing that is bursting with flavor. The combination of tangy Italian dressing, spicy pepperoncini peppers, and salty olives will have you coming back for seconds. This easy Italian pasta salad recipe is perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table quickly. It's made with a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and can be ready in just 20 minutes. This makes it a great option for a last-minute meal. This version of Italian pasta salad is packed with fresh and juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy mozzarella cheese. The combination of these ingredients creates a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a summer BBQ or picnic. It's also a great way to use up any ripe tomatoes from your garden. One of the best things about Italian pasta salad is the tangy and flavorful dressing. This easy homemade dressing is a simple combination of oil, vinegar, and a few Italian herbs and spices. It's a great option for those who prefer to make their own dressings rather than using store-bought versions.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. This will save you time and ensure that your pasta salad turns out perfectly. You will need penne pasta, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, fresh basil, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, black olives, mozzarella cheese, and salt and pepper. Feel free to add in any other vegetables or protein of your choice to make this dish even more customizable and delicious.

Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water to give the pasta some flavor. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also prevent the pasta from sticking together and becoming mushy.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chopped fresh basil. This simple yet flavorful dressing will be the key to bringing all the ingredients together in perfect harmony.

Prepare the Vegetables

While the pasta is cooking, chop the tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and black olives into bite-sized pieces. For the mozzarella cheese, you can either dice it or use bocconcini, small mozzarella balls, for a fun twist.

Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled penne pasta with the chopped vegetables and mozzarella cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Let it Chill

For the best flavor, cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and for the pasta to soak up the dressing.

Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, give the pasta salad a final toss and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with some extra fresh basil and enjoy this delicious Italian-inspired dish with your loved ones. Now that you have this Italian pasta salad recipe with olive oil in your arsenal, you can easily impress your guests with a delicious and refreshing dish. This recipe is perfect for any occasion and is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Give it a try and taste the flavors of Italy in every bite.
18 italian pasta salad recipe with olive oil Unlock flavor sensations!

Italian Pasta Salad

yield: 5 total time: 25 minutes
4.8 Stars (4 reviews)
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Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound pasta uncooked
  • 3 ounces salami about 80 grams
  • 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes 1 pint, halved
  • 1/2 green bell pepper chopped
  • 1/2 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion chopped
  • 1/2 cup black olives kalamata, halved
  • 4 ounces mozzarella balls bocconcini, halved
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing homemade or store-bought
  • Parmesan cheese grated, optional, for serving

Nutrition

  • Calories : 390 calories
  • Carbohydrate : 42 grams
  • Cholesterol : 30 milligrams
  • Fat : 18 grams
  • Fiber : 3 grams
  • Protein : 15 grams
  • SaturatedFat : 6 grams
  • Sodium : 890 milligrams
  • Sugar : 6 grams
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