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Basic Pasta Salad Recipe

Easy Basic Pasta Salad Recipe for Flavorful Summer Days

A delightful Basic Pasta Salad Recipe perfect for summer gatherings, featuring vibrant flavors and textures.
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Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar You can use apple cider vinegar for a more mellow flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil Avocado oil works well as a light alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard In a pinch, yellow mustard is suitable.
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Consider honey or agave as natural alternatives for sweetening.
For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Rotini Pasta Fusilli or penne are great substitutes if you desire variety.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Shallots can be used for a sweeter taste.
  • 1 medium Orange Bell Pepper Feel free to substitute with any bell pepper or finely chopped carrots.
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes Swap for halved cherry tomatoes if you prefer.
  • 1 cup Chopped Marinated Artichokes Any pickled vegetable can work in this regard.
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives Green olives are a suitable replacement.
  • 4 ounces Cured Salami (e.g., Soppressata) Cooked chicken or chickpeas are fantastic options for lighter variations.
  • 8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella Feta cheese can provide a different tangy flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley Dried herbs can be a substitute, but fresh herbs provide more vibrant flavors.
  • 1 tablespoon Oregano
  • 2 tablespoons Capers These can be optional if you're looking to reduce saltiness.

Equipment

  • medium bowl
  • Large Pot
  • Whisk
  • Airtight Container

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and sugar until emulsified and smooth.
  2. Marinate the Onions: Place sliced red onion in a bowl and pour half of the dressing over them, marinating for about 10 minutes.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil, add rotini pasta, and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain well.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the drained pasta with marinated onions, remaining dressing, bell pepper, tomatoes, artichokes, olives, salami, mozzarella, parsley, oregano, and capers. Toss gently.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving cold.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 5mg

Notes

No rinsing needed for pasta; the starch helps the dressing stick better. Prepare a few hours in advance for best flavor.

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