Italian Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish to satisfy any pasta lovers. This will be a sure crowd pleaser.
Save RecipeIngredients
Italian Dressing
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon honey or sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste (I use sea salt or Himalayan pink)
3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning*
Black pepper, to taste
Pinch of red pepper chili flakes, optional
Pasta Salad
8 ounces rotini pasta, or other pasta of choice
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup black olives slices
1 medium zucchini, chopped
1/2 red or white onion, chopped
1/4 cup kale, chopped (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- For the dressing
- Place all the ingredients in a jar and shake well. You can also use your blender to emulsify ingredients instead.
- For the pasta salad
- Cook, drain and dry pasta to al dente according to pasta instructions. Add to a large mixing bowl and toss together with 1/2 of the dressing. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the remaining salad ingredients to the bowl and add remaining dressing. Toss well and add salt and black pepper to taste. Chill in fridge until ready to serve or enjoy immediately.