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classic italian pasta salad recipe - Classic Italian Pasta Salad served in a white bowl overhead view
Chloe

Classic Italian Pasta Salad

classic italian pasta salad recipe made easy at home. A vibrant, colorful bowl of al dente pasta tossed with savory salami, fresh mozzarella, crisp vegetables
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 lb rotini or fusilli pasta dried
  • 1 cup Genoa salami cut into matchsticks
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls bocconcini, halved if large
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 3/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives halved lengthwise
  • 1 medium orange or yellow bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion very thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves torn, plus more for garnish
Dressing
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic finely minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool; shake off excess water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the bell pepper, thinly slice the red onion, halve the olives, cut the salami into thin strips, and drain the mozzarella pearls.
  3. In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Whisk or shake until emulsified.
  4. In a very large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, olives, bell pepper, and red onion. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours, to let flavors meld. Before serving, toss again, add the torn basil, and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.