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Italian Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad: Fresh & Flavorful for Easy Gatherings

This Italian Pasta Salad is vibrant, customizable, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Fusilli Pasta Swap with gluten-free options if needed.
For the Salad
  • 1 can Chickpeas Can be replaced with white beans or omitted.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Substitute with diced regular tomatoes if preferred.
  • 1 cup Mini Sweet Peppers Yellow or regular bell peppers work too.
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoncini Peppers Replace with banana peppers or leave out.
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives Feel free to switch to green olives.
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach Arugula or mixed greens can be used for variety.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Opting for high-quality oil brings out the flavors.
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar Apple cider vinegar is a suitable alternative.
  • 2 tbsp Pepperoncini Brine Fresh lemon juice works well for a brighter taste.
  • 1 tbsp Shallots Swap for yellow onion for a bolder taste.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced garlic or garlic powder can be used.
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano Using fresh herbs elevates the flavor profile.
  • 1 tsp Dried Parsley Using fresh herbs elevates the flavor profile.
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt Season according to your preference.
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Season according to your preference.
For the Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Use pecorino or nutritional yeast for a vegan twist.
  • 1/2 cup Provolone or Mozzarella Cheese Any mild cheese can be substituted.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium Bowl
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring cup

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a vigorous boil. Add fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini brine, minced shallots, minced garlic, dried oregano, chopped parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper. Let the dressing sit to meld the flavors.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced mini sweet peppers, baby spinach, pepperoncini, Kalamata olives, and cubed cheese. Gently fold to mix.
  4. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well-coated.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for 1 to 2 hours. Toss before serving and drizzle with olive oil if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 7gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Allow the salad to chill for at least 1-2 hours for the best flavor. Customize with favorite veggies or proteins.

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