Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that captures the essence of Italian cuisine in one spectacular dish! This Antipasto Italian Pasta Salad is not just a recipe; it's a vibrant celebration of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and the art of Mediterranean cooking. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or a quick and delicious lunch, this salad promises to be the star of any meal that will have your friends and family begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup salami, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add rotini pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, slice black olives, dice salami, and thinly slice red onion.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, black olives, salami, and red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Add chopped fresh basil and gently mix to distribute throughout the salad.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Cook pasta al dente: The key to a great pasta salad is perfectly cooked pasta. Be sure to cook the rotini just until it's tender but still has a slight bite.
- Cool pasta thoroughly: Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh basil and high-quality olive oil can elevate the entire dish.
- Customize to taste: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients like artichoke hearts, pepperoncini, or different cured meats to make the recipe your own.
- Serve cold or at room temperature: This versatile salad is delicious either way, making it perfect for various occasions.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
