Description
A refreshing cold pasta salad with mini fresh mozzarella, salami, and a mix of vibrant vegetables, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup mini fresh mozzarella balls (whole or halved)
- 13 grape, plum or cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 red onion (diced)
- 1 cup cucumber (sliced and seeds removed)
- 1/2 cup olives (green, purple, or black)
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 10 ounces salami (diced)
- 15 ounces cooked pasta (fusilli, rotini, or farfalle all work well)
- 1/2 cup fresh or roasted red bell pepper (diced)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt (or more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions (al dente) by boiling in a large pot of salted water. Once done, drain and rinse the pasta in cool water in a colander to stop the cooking process. Let the pasta cool down completely or even chill in the fridge before combining with other ingredients.
- Make the dressing by combining the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, mustard, syrup, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl or jar with a tight fitting lid, then whisking or shaking well.
- Prepare the veggies and salami by cutting them while the pasta is cooking and arrange in a large mixing bowl. Add in the rinsed, drained, and cooled pasta, then pour the dressing on top. Toss to combine and evenly coat everything in the dressing. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed for seasoning.
- This is optional, but we think this salad tastes best after chilling in the fridge for 1 hour and serving it cold.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs or additional spices in the dressing.
- Can store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 30mg