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Flavorful Italian Pasta Salad with Salami and Mozzarella Pearls

Italian Pasta Salad - featured image
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A quick and easy Italian pasta salad featuring savory salami, creamy mozzarella pearls, and fresh herbs, perfect for summer parties and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 6 oz (170 g) Italian salami, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella pearls
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Crushed red pepper flakes, optional pinch

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. While pasta is cooking, slice 6 oz salami into bite-sized pieces, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, slice ½ cup Kalamata olives, finely dice ¼ cup red onion, and chop fresh basil and parsley.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, salami, mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, basil, and parsley. Pour the dressing over everything.
  5. Gently toss with two large spoons or salad tongs until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to break the mozzarella pearls or bruise the herbs.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
  7. Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Toss gently to avoid breaking mozzarella pearls. Chilling for at least 1 hour improves flavor. For dairy-free, substitute vegan mozzarella or marinated tofu. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and rinse well.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian pasta salad, salami pasta salad, mozzarella pearls, summer salad, easy pasta salad, party salad, rotini salad

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/flavorful-italian-pasta-salad-with-salami-and-mozzarella-pearls-easy-recipe-for-summer-parties/