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Italian Pasta Salad

Delicious Italian Pasta Salad That's Perfect for Summer Gatherings

This Italian Pasta Salad is a refreshing, make-ahead dish perfect for summer gatherings, packed with vibrant vegetables and zesty dressing.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Fusilli Pasta Choose whole wheat for added fiber and a nutty flavor.
  • 1 can Chickpeas Drained and rinsed.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved.
  • 1 cup Mini Sweet Peppers Chopped.
  • ½ cup Pepperoncini Peppers
  • ½ cup Kalamata Olives Pitted.
  • ½ cup Provolone Cheese Cubed.
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach
For the Dressing
  • ½ cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Quality is key for flavor.
  • ¼ cup Red Wine Vinegar Provides acidity.
  • 2 tablespoons Pepperoncini Brine Alternatively, use lemon juice.
  • 1 medium Shallot Finely chopped.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
  • to taste Kosher Salt Adjust according to taste.
  • to taste Black Pepper Freshly cracked.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • medium mixing bowl
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • colander
  • large mixing bowl
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of fusilli pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup olive oil, ¼ cup red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons pepperoncini brine, and 1 chopped shallot. Add 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon oregano, and 1 teaspoon parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk until blended and let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, 1 can of chickpeas, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 cup chopped mini sweet peppers. Also, add 2 cups of spinach, ½ cup Kalamata olives, and ½ cup cubed provolone cheese. Toss to combine.
  4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  5. Cover the bowl or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours to let flavors meld.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish is versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes. Consider adding crumbled feta or diced cucumbers for more flavor.

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