Antipasto Pasta Salad
A colorful and flavorful pasta salad loaded with Italian ingredients like salami, mozzarella, olives, and roasted peppers, all tossed in a zesty herb vinaigrette. Perfect for meal prep lunches or picnics.
Ingredients
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 8 oz Italian dry salami, cubed
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls, drained
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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1
Cook 1 lb rotini pasta in well-salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well again and transfer to a large bowl.
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2
Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
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3
To the bowl with the pasta, add 8 oz cubed Italian dry salami, 8 oz drained fresh mozzarella pearls, 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup drained and chopped roasted red peppers, 1 cup drained and quartered artichoke hearts, 1/2 cup pitted and halved kalamata olives, 1/2 thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers.
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4
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.
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5
Add fresh 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup torn fresh basil, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss again to incorporate.
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6
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
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7
Before serving, bring the pasta salad to room temperature for about 20 minutes and toss again. Adjust seasonings if needed and add a splash more olive oil if the salad seems dry.