Delicious Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Looking for an easy yet delicious Italian pasta salad recipe? This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for summer picnics or any casual gathering you may have planned. Pasta salads are a great way to use up leftover cooked pasta, and this one comes with a twist of traditional Italian flavors like garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 8-10 minutes (boiling the pasta)

Servings: 6 generous portions

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of your favorite pasta, cooked al dente
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup of black olives, sliced
• ¼ cup of red onion, finely chopped
• ⅓ cup of pitted Kalamata olives
• 2 tablespoons of Italian dressing (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

To start making your Italian pasta salad:

1. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain it well and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped red onions, and pitted Kalamata olives.
3. For the dressing, whisk together Italian dressing, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. You can also use a simple mixture of olive oil and lemon juice if you prefer.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl and mix gently to ensure all pasta pieces are coated evenly with the dressing.
5. Chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld together nicely, making your dish more palatable.
6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving for an extra burst of freshness and color.

Tips and Variations

To make this recipe even more special:

• Add some cooked chicken or shrimp to the salad for a protein-packed meal. This will increase the serving size to 8 people easily.
• If you prefer your pasta salad with less acidity, use fewer olives and reduce the amount of balsamic vinegar in your dressing.
• For an extra kick, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top before chilling or serve it alongside a side dish like garlic bread or bruschetta for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

The Italian pasta salad is rich in healthy fats and proteins. It contains around 300 calories, with about 15 grams of fat, which comes mainly from the olive oil used as part of the dressing. Carbohydrates contribute to roughly 60% of total caloric intake per serving due to its primary ingredient being pasta.

Conclusion

This Italian pasta salad recipe provides a delightful fusion of classic Mediterranean ingredients. The combination of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and tangy flavors makes this dish ideal for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to adjust the portion sizes or add extra components depending on your preference. Enjoy your meal!