Homemade Italian Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Salami (Print version)
A colorful Italian pasta salad with rotini, fresh mozzarella, salami, tomatoes, olives, pepperoncini, herbs, and a zesty homemade dressing.
# Ingredients:
For the pasta salad
01 -
1 lb (450 g) rotini or fusilli pasta
02 -
8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella pearls, drained and patted dry
03 -
6 oz (170 g) Genoa salami, sliced into strips or half-moons
04 -
1 pint (300 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
05 -
1 English cucumber, chopped
06 -
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
07 -
3/4 cup (100 g) sliced olives, black or kalamata
08 -
1/2 cup (80 g) sliced pepperoncini, drained
09 -
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil and parsley
For the homemade Italian dressing
10 -
1/2 cup (120 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
11 -
1/4 cup (60 ml) red wine vinegar
12 -
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
13 -
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
14 -
1 teaspoon honey
15 -
2 cloves garlic, finely grated or minced
16 -
1 teaspoon dried oregano
17 -
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
18 -
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
19 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
20 -
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions, then drain and rinse under cold water until cool.
02 -
Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon, honey, garlic, oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to a jar. Seal and shake until blended.
03 -
Pat the mozzarella dry. Slice the salami, halve the tomatoes, chop the cucumber, slice the onion, drain the olives and pepperoncini, and chop the herbs.
04 -
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, mozzarella, salami, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, pepperoncini, and herbs. Add about three-quarters of the dressing and toss well.
05 -
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Toss again with the reserved dressing, taste for salt and pepper, and serve cold or slightly cool.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best after 30 minutes of chilling and still good for up to 3 days.
02 -
Reserve some dressing for the final toss because pasta absorbs dressing as it sits.