Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing
Indulge in a vibrant and refreshing Pasta Salad that captures the essence of Italian flavors. This dish combines tender tri-color rotini with a medley of fresh vegetables, creamy provolone, and savory pepperoni, creating a delightful harmony of textures and tastes.
The star of this recipe is the homemade dressing, which infuses each bite with a zesty kick. Crafted from quality olive oil and tangy red wine vinegar, this dressing elevates the salad, making it a perfect choice for any occasion—from summer barbecues to weekday lunches.
Whether served immediately or made ahead, this Pasta Salad promises to impress guests and family alike. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, it’s a delicious way to enjoy fresh ingredients and satisfy your cravings for a hearty, wholesome meal.
Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing: Ingredients
This Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing harmonizes a vibrant mix of ingredients that bring both flavor and texture to the dish. The colorful tri-color rotini serves as a hearty base, perfectly holding onto the delicious dressing and other ingredients.
Pepperoni adds a savory richness, while cubed provolone contributes a creamy texture that balances the boldness of the sausage. Fresh vegetables like crisp cucumber and sweet bell peppers provide a refreshing crunch, complemented by the sharp bite of red onion.
A medley of black olives and fresh parsley introduces an element of earthiness, while a sprinkle of grated Parmesan enriches the salad with a nutty finish. Together, these ingredients create a delightful and satisfying dish, perfect for any gathering or casual meal.
Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing
This Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it the perfect dish for any occasion. With its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, it’s not only appetizing but also a fantastic way to enjoy a variety of vegetables. Below are some tips to elevate your preparation, serving suggestions to enhance your meal, and answers to common questions about this refreshing pasta salad.
Recipe Tips
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: For the best texture, be sure to cook the rotini until it’s al dente—tender yet slightly firm when bitten. This ensures that the pasta holds its shape and doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the dressing. After cooking, always rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to modify the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand. Cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or even artichoke hearts can add unique flavors and textures. Just keep in mind that you want a mix of crunchy and soft ingredients to create a satisfying bite.
- Make It Ahead: This pasta salad tastes even better after it has had time to sit and allow the flavors to meld. If you’re preparing it for an event, make it up to 8 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
What to Serve with This Recipe
Pair this vibrant pasta salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed meal that balances the freshness of the salad. The smoky flavors of grilled meats complement the tangy dressing and enhance the overall taste.
Another excellent accompaniment is garlic bread or crusty baguette slices, perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing. This classic pairing adds a satisfying crunch and a hearty element to your meal.
For a lighter option, serve the pasta salad alongside a crisp green salad or a fruit platter. This combination provides a refreshing contrast, making for a well-rounded meal that’s perfect for summer gatherings or casual dinners.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While tri-color rotini adds visual appeal, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
2. How long can I store the pasta salad?
The pasta salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to consume it within 1 to 2 days as the pasta can absorb the dressing over time.
3. Is this pasta salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes! Simply omit the pepperoni or substitute it with diced vegetables, chickpeas, or a plant-based protein to keep it vegetarian-friendly.4. Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing ahead of time. Just mix all the dressing ingredients in a jar, seal it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before using to combine the ingredients.
Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing
Ingredients
- Pasta Salad:
- 1 8-ounce package of uncooked tri-color rotini pasta
- 6 ounces of diced pepperoni sausage
- 6 ounces of cubed provolone cheese
- 1 medium red onion very thinly sliced and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small cucumber thinly sliced
- ¾ cup of chopped green bell pepper
- ¾ cup of chopped red bell pepper
- 1 6-ounce can of pitted black olives, drained
- ¼ cup of minced fresh parsley
- ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salad Dressing:
- ½ cup of olive oil
- ¼ cup of red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon of ground mustard seed
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- ⅛ teaspoon of ground black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by assembling all necessary ingredients.
- In a large pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook until tender but firm to the bite, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta, rinse it with cold water, and drain again.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta with the diced pepperoni, cubed provolone cheese, red onion, cucumber, both green and red bell peppers, black olives, minced parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- To prepare the dressing, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, ground mustard seed, salt, and ground black pepper in a jar with a lid. Secure the lid and shake until the mixture is thoroughly blended.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad, ensuring that all ingredients are well coated. The salad can be served immediately or covered and chilled in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours before serving.
