Summer Pasta Salad Recipes
This simple pasta salad recipe adapts effortlessly to whatever ingredients you have on hand or are in season. Begin with a sturdy pasta shape like rotini or penne, which has plenty of nooks and crannies to capture the flavorful dressing. Toss the cooked pasta with a zesty homemade dressing and an array of colorful vegetables. For added richness, we recommend incorporating fresh mozzarella balls and grated parmesan cheese, which blend beautifully into the dressing. For additional ingredient ideas and customization tips, explore the suggestions detailed in the article above.
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Servings: 10
Ingredients
PASTA SALAD
- 1 pound dried pasta such as fusilli penne, rotini, or farfalle
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup sliced bell pepper approximately 1 medium
- 1 cup thinly sliced zucchini about 1/2 medium
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions 5 to 6 stalks
- 1 cup mixed olives halved (4 ounces)
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers optional
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese or another hard cheese 2 ounces
- 1 cup chopped fresh mozzarella balls 6 ounces
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley or basil optional
HOMEMADE DRESSING
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar white wine vinegar, or champagne vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt with extra to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 to 3 tablespoons juice from pepperoncini jar optional
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente, typically 6 to 10 minutes depending on the package directions. Drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- While the pasta is boiling, prepare the dressing in a large mixing bowl. Combine the vinegar, sea salt, black pepper, oregano, and pepperoncini juice (if using). Gradually whisk in the extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture is well emulsified.
- Transfer the cooked and cooled pasta into the bowl with the dressing, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Incorporate the bell pepper, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, scallions, olives, parmesan cheese, mozzarella, and herbs (if using). Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. For optimal flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it a convenient option for meal prep.