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Italian Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad is so versatile and SO delicious! It's the perfect side dish for a tailgate, cook out, or picnic.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course lunch, pasta salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

For the pasta salad:

  • 1/2 lb pasta of your choice (I prefer rotini or penne)
  • 2-3 oz pepperoni, cut into bite size pieces
  • 3-4 oz salami, chopped into bite size pieces
  • 1 container of cherry tomatoes, cut in half
  • black olives, cut in half
  • 3-4 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into pieces
  • fresh basil

For the Italian dressing:

  • 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 3 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan or pecorino cheese
  • 1/2 cup olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Fill a pot with water and place it over high heat. Add a small handful of kosher salt to the water. Bring to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the box.
  • Cut the salamo, pepperoni, and mozzarella into bite size pieces. Cut the tomatoes and black olives in half. Cut the basil into strips or tear into small pieces.
  • In a small bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients for the dressing. Slowly whisk in the oil and then stir in the cheese.
  • When the pasta is finished cooking, drain it and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking. Add the pasta to a large bowl. Stir in the chopped ingredients and basil and combine well.
  • Slowly add the dressing and stir, tasting as you go. Use as much dressing as you prefer.
Keyword cook out, easy lunch, easy side dish, homemade, italian dressing, pasta salad, picnic, side dish, tailgate
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