Summer's Best Pasta Salad: A Flavorful and Easy Recipe
Summer is here, and that means it's time for light, refreshing, and easy-to-make meals. Look no further than this fantastic pasta salad, a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and a tangy homemade dressing.
This isn't your average mayo-laden pasta salad; it's a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures. Perfect for any summer gathering, whether it’s a picnic, a potluck, or just a quick weeknight dinner. It’s also super customizable, so feel free to add your favorite veggies or cheese to make it your own.
Why You'll Love This Pasta Salad
- Easy and Quick: You can whip this up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Fresh Flavors: The combination of juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, spicy salami, and herbs creates a symphony of tastes.
- Versatile: It's easily adaptable to your preferences, with options to swap out ingredients.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors get even better over time, making it ideal for preparing ahead.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Salad:
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle are great)
- 3 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella balls, halved
- 1/2 pound of spicy salami, cubed
- 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup of pepperoncini, sliced (optional but highly recommended)
- 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
For the Homemade Dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt (or 2 teaspoons of fine salt)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon of garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 2 teaspoons each of dried oregano and dried basil
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives
How to Make This Delightful Pasta Salad
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente, adding salt to the water for flavor. Drain and rinse with cold water, then toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop all your veggies, cheese, meat, and other fixings. Slice the olives and pepperoncini. Mince the garlic and chop the herbs.
- Make the Dressing: In a blender or jar, combine the olive oil, vinegar, water, salt, garlic, sugar, oregano, basil, and pepper. Blend until smooth or shake well. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking. You can also add fresh herbs to the dressing at this stage.
- Toss it All Together: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, salami, olives, pepperoncini, red onion, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad, starting with about three-fourths of it and saving some to add later. Toss gently to combine. Taste and add more dressing if needed.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, chill the pasta salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. If making it ahead, it's even better after 12-24 hours.
Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
- Pasta Choice: Opt for pasta shapes with good texture to hold onto the dressing.
- Salt: If using fine salt, start with 2 teaspoons and add more to taste. Coarse sea salt is preferred as it will have a stronger salty taste.
- Customize: Add blanched green beans, fresh spinach, artichokes, or other favorite veggies.
- Make Ahead: This salad is a perfect make-ahead dish; the flavors intensify over time.
- Storing: Store leftovers in the fridge for 2-3 days in a sealed container. Avoid freezing as it may alter the texture of the pasta and veggies.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion:
- Picnics and Potlucks: It's easy to transport and serve.
- Weeknight Dinners: Add some protein for a complete meal.
- BBQs and Parties: A refreshing side dish that goes well with grilled food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use other veggies and extras in this salad?
A: Absolutely! Customize it to your liking with other veggies such as bell peppers, artichokes, broccoli, or even add cheeses like feta or parmesan for a different flavor profile. Get creative and try some different shapes of pasta.
Q: How long will the pasta salad stay good in the fridge?
A: It can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days in a sealed container.
Q: Can this pasta salad be made ahead of time?
A: Yes, it is recommended to make it 12-24 hours ahead of time, as this gives the flavors time to meld together. Just make sure not to add all of the dressing to start, save some for adding just prior to serving if making it ahead of time.
Q: Can this pasta salad be frozen?
A: Freezing isn't recommended as the texture will change. This dish is best when served fresh or after being chilled in the refrigerator for a short period of time.
Final Thoughts
This easy pasta salad recipe is a summer essential that will be a regular in your meal rotation. The blend of fresh ingredients and that zingy homemade dressing create a perfect balance of flavors. So, whether you are heading to a picnic or just looking for a tasty meal at home, give this recipe a try and you'll agree, it's the best!