Best Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the perfect balance of textures, colors, and tastes to create a crowd-pleasing favorite.
This salad is a versatile recipe that can be tailored to suit individual preferences or seasonal ingredients,
making it a go-to option for potlucks, picnics, barbecues, or even as a main course for a light and refreshing meal.
Ingredients:
Pasta Salad Essentials:
- 1 pound uncooked pasta – I like rotini!
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese balls, cut in half
- 1 lb. salami or summer sausage, cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 3/4 cup pepperoncini (optional, but do it)
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Italian Pasta Salad Dressing:
- 1 1/2 cups olive oil
- 1/4 cup white vinegar (white vinegar or red wine vinegar work)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt (yes, tablespoons – see notes!)
- 2 cloves garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons each dry oregano and dry basil
- black pepper to taste
- fresh herbs if you want! sometimes I add fresh parsley, basil, or chives.
Instructions:
Step1: Cook pasta according to package directions, in salted water for more flavor. Allow to cool slightly and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
Step2: Blend up the dressing, or shake together in a jar.
Step3: Toss all ingredients together! I like to use about three-fourths of the dressing, and then I save the rest of the dressing to add to my leftovers.
Step4: Keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. I think it actually tastes best the day AFTER you make it.