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Italian Pasta Salad

Vibrant Italian Pasta Salad That Whispers Summer Goodness

This Italian Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that brings a touch of summer to any table.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 2 cups Fusilli Pasta Any pasta shape works
  • 1 can Chickpeas Drained and rinsed
For the Veggies
  • 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes Halved
  • 1 cup Mini Sweet Peppers Chopped
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoncini Peppers Sliced
For the Tangy Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil High-quality preferred
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar Can use apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Pepperoncini Brine
  • 2 medium Shallots Finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
  • to taste Kosher Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
For the Cheesy Goodness
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated
  • 1 cup Provolone Cheese Diced

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • colander
  • Medium Bowl
  • large mixing bowl
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add fusilli pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and pepperoncini brine with shallots, garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, mini sweet peppers, baby spinach, pepperoncini peppers, olives, and cheeses.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is coated.
  5. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1-2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Prep the salad a day ahead for enhanced flavors. Use fresh herbs for optimal taste.

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