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Italian Pasta Salad

Savory Italian Pasta Salad: Your Perfect Summer Delight

This vibrant Italian Pasta Salad is a refreshing summer dish packed with colorful veggies and protein-rich chickpeas.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Fusilli Pasta Feel free to substitute with any short pasta shape.
  • 1 can Chickpeas Drained and rinsed.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved.
  • 1 cup Mini Sweet Peppers Sliced.
  • ½ cup Pepperoncini Peppers Sliced.
  • ½ cup Kalamata Olives Pitted.
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Grated.
  • ½ cup Provolone or Mozzarella Cheese Diced.
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Can substitute with arugula or mixed greens.
For the Dressing
  • ½ cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Quality matters!
  • ¼ cup Red Wine Vinegar Can use white wine vinegar as a replacement.
  • 2 tbsp Pepperoncini Brine Fresh lemon juice can also be used.
  • 1 medium Shallot Finely chopped.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano Or 1-2 tbsp fresh.
  • 1 tsp Dried Parsley Or 1-2 tbsp fresh.
  • Kosher Salt To taste.
  • Black Pepper To taste.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Medium Bowl
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Cook the pasta by boiling salted water, adding fusilli, and cooking until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini brine, shallots, garlic, oregano, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, sweet peppers, and spinach. Add pepperoncini, olives, Parmesan, and provolone, then toss.
  4. Dress the salad by pouring over the dressing and gently toss to coat.
  5. Chill the salad for at least 1-2 hours before serving.
  6. Serve cold and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow the salad to chill for optimal flavor. Use high-quality ingredients for the best taste.

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