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Flavorful Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy Italian antipasto pasta salad with salami, fresh mozzarella, and a tangy dressing, perfect for parties and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 8 ounces sliced Italian salami, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine), drained and halved
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and black pepper to taste until emulsified.
  3. Halve cherry tomatoes, slice Kalamata olives and roasted red peppers, thinly slice red onion, chop fresh basil, cut salami into bite-sized pieces, and halve mozzarella balls.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, red onion, and basil. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water immediately after draining to stop cooking and prevent mushiness. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Toss gently to avoid breaking mozzarella. Dijon mustard helps emulsify the dressing. Add a splash more olive oil or vinegar if salad seems dry after chilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian pasta salad, antipasto salad, salami pasta salad, mozzarella pasta salad, easy pasta salad, party salad, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/flavorful-italian-antipasto-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-parties/