THE IDEAL PASTA SALAD
Pasta salad stands out as a versatile and delightful dish, suitable for both summer gatherings and year-round meals. Its simplicity in preparation makes it a consistent crowd-pleaser, whether served as a side at social events or relished as a tasty workday lunch. This recipe offers ample room for personalization, encouraging the addition of preferred vegetables, fruits, spices, and meats. Perfect for entertaining, this dish can be made in advance and refrigerated, often enhancing its flavor as the ingredients meld together.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta Salad:
1 pound of uncooked pasta (rotini is recommended)
3 cups of halved cherry tomatoes
8 ounces of halved fresh mozzarella cheese balls
1 pound of cubed salami or summer sausage
3/4 cup of sliced kalamata olives
3/4 cup of optional pepperoncini
1/2 cup of sliced red onion
1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley
For the Italian Pasta Salad Dressing:
1 1/2 cups of olive oil
1/4 cup of white or red wine vinegar
1/4 cup of water
2 tablespoons of coarse sea salt
2 cloves of garlic (or 1 teaspoon of garlic powder)
1 tablespoon of sugar
2 teaspoons each of dry oregano and basil
Black pepper to taste
Optional: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in salted water for enhanced flavor.
After cooking, allow it to cool slightly and toss it with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Dressing:
Blend the dressing ingredients or shake them together in a jar.
Combine Ingredients:
Toss the cooked pasta with tomatoes, mozzarella, salami, olives, pepperoncini, onion, and parsley.
Add about three-fourths of the dressing, mixing well.
Refrigerate:
Store the pasta salad in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
It often tastes best the day after it's made.
This Perfect Pasta Salad stands as an ideal dish for any occasion, delivering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Tailor it to your preferences and savor the delicious results!
