Big Italian pasta salad

1

PREP TIME

15 min

TOTAL TIME

25 min

Makes

6 servings

Big Italian pasta salad

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

Italian vinaigrette

  • 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

Instructions

  • Cook pasta following package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and rinse. Transfer pasta to a large bowl and let cool.
  • Add salami, roasted peppers, tomatoes, artichokes (if using), basil and mozzarella, stirring to combine.
  • 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.

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.

Nutrition (per serving)

  • Calories
  • 520,
  • Protein
  • 18 g,
  • Carbohydrates
  • 58 g,
  • Fat
  • 24 g,
  • Fibre
  • 6 g,
  • Sodium
  • 730 mg.

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

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