Italian Pasta Salad
Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Bursting with colorful veggies, protein-packed chickpeas, and a zesty homemade dressing, this salad is not only easy to prepare but can also be made ahead of time. Ideal for summer picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings, each bite is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will impress your guests. Customize it with seasonal vegetables or proteins like grilled chicken or turkey to suit your taste. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or as a side dish alongside your favorite grilled meats!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb. fusilli pasta
- 1 (15-oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mini sweet peppers, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup pepperoncini peppers
- 3/4 cup kalamata olives, halved
- 2 to 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- Minced shallots
- Minced garlic
- Dried oregano
- Dried parsley
Instructions
- Cook the fusilli pasta in salted water until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, brine (or lemon juice), shallots, garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with chickpeas, tomatoes, mini sweet peppers, pepperoncini peppers, olives, spinach, and cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Find it online: https://dailytastytable.com/italian-pasta-salad/