Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

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Ingredients:

For the Salad:

  • 8 ounces pasta of choice, uncooked
  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced small
  • 1 pint (10-11 ounces) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced small
  • ½ small red onion, very thinly sliced
  • 3 ounces hard salami, cut into matchsticks
  • 6 ounces fresh mozzarella, cubed (or halved if using ‘ciliegine’ size)
  • ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 small bunch fresh basil, chopped or finely sliced
  • ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers (optional)

For the Dressing:

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 3 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • Juice ½ lemon, ~1 Tbsp.
  • 1 ½ tsp. dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp. salt + more to taste
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • ½ tsp. honey (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook pasta to al dente. Remove pasta from heat, drain, rinse well, and set aside to cool.
  2. While the pasta cooks, slice and dice the veggies, salami, mozzarella, and herbs according to the recipe. Transfer everything to a large bowl and set aside.
  3. Make the homemade Italian dressing by combining all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisking until well combined.
  4. Add drained and cooled pasta to the bowl with the veggies, salami, and cheese. Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to combine.

FAQs:

Q1: Can I make Zesty Italian Pasta Salad ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! Prepare the components and store them separately. Combine just before serving for the freshest taste.

Q2: Is there a substitute for pepperoncini peppers?
A2: If you prefer less heat, you can skip pepperoncini peppers or substitute with sliced banana peppers for a milder option.

Q3: How long does the homemade Italian dressing last?
A3: Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before using.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, our Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a celebration of vibrant colors and robust flavors. Whether as a side dish or a standalone meal, it promises to tantalize your taste buds with every bite. Embrace the freshness of summer with this delightful recipe and share the joy of good food with your loved ones!

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