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Italian Pasta Salad

Fresh and Flavorful Italian Pasta Salad for Any Gathering

This Italian Pasta Salad features fusilli pasta, chickpeas, and fresh veggies, making it a delightful and refreshing dish for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Fusilli Pasta or preferred pasta shape
  • 1 can Chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup Mini Sweet Peppers chopped
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoncini sliced
  • 1 cup Fresh Baby Spinach
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives pitted
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Pepperoncini Brine
  • 1 unit Shallot finely minced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley

Equipment

  • large pot
  • medium mixing bowl
  • colander
  • large mixing bowl
  • Airtight Container

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Italian Pasta Salad
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and pepperoncini brine. Stir in minced shallot, garlic, oregano, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let sit for at least 10 minutes.
  3. Combine the Vegetable Ingredients: In the bowl with cooled pasta, add chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, mini sweet peppers, pepperoncini, and baby spinach. Mix in Kalamata olives and Parmesan cheese until combined.
  4. Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Chill the Salad: Transfer the salad into an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow the flavors to blend beautifully by chilling for the recommended time.

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