Big Italian pasta salad

Name: Big Italian pasta salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 375 g rotini pasta, (about 4 cups); 8 slices salami, chopped; 2 jarred roasted red peppers, drained and chopped; 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved; 170-mL jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (optional); 1 cup chopped fresh basil; 3/4 cup diced mozzarella; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 5 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup white wine vinegar; 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning; 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan

Prep Time15 mins
Total Time25 mins
Makes6 servings

Photo: Erik Putz

Pull this big and hearty pasta salad together in under 30 minutes. It's the perfect addition to those late summer picnics and potlucks.

Ingredients

375 g rotini pasta, (about 4 cups)
8 slices salami, chopped
2 jarred roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
170-mL jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (optional)
1 cup chopped fresh basil
3/4 cup diced mozzarella

Instructions

Cook pasta following package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and rinse. Transfer pasta to a large bowl and let cool.
Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, oil, vinegar and Italian seasoning. Whisk in reserved pasta water. Pour over pasta mixture and toss to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and toss to combine.

Nutrition (per serving)

Protein 18g, Carbohydrates 58g, Fat 24g, Fibre 6g, Sodium 730mg.

Mix it up

Mix things up with a whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Increase the green factor by swapping out basil for 2 cups baby arugula.

Make it vegetarian

This pasta can be made meat-free by swapping out salami for 1 cup of canned chickpeas.

Originally published in the Today’s Parent September/October 2020 issue. Photo by Erik Putz.