Italian Pasta Salad

Pasta salads have become a quintessential dish for gatherings and parties, and for good reason. Their ease of preparation, ability to serve a crowd, and the delightful combinations of flavors make them a favorite among hosts and guests alike. Among the myriad of pasta salad recipes available, the Italian Party Pasta Salad stands out as a vibrant and flavorful option that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. This dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with fresh ingredients that offer a burst of flavor in every bite.

Impress your guests with an Italian Party Pasta Salad that's perfect for any gathering! This vibrant dish combines bow-tie pasta, fresh vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and savory salami, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. It's not only simple to make but also visually stunning, making it an ideal side for summer barbecues or a light main dish. Learn how to create this flavorful salad that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine and brings people together around delicious food.

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Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) of farfalle pasta (bowtie)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup diced cucumber

1 cup black olives, pitted and halved

1 cup salami, diced

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)

½ cup red bell pepper, diced

¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn

½ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, salami, mozzarella, red bell pepper, and red onion. Place them in a large mixing bowl.

Combine Ingredients: Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl with the vegetables. This will ensure an even distribution of flavors.

Dress the Salad: Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.

Add Freshness: Gently fold in the fresh basil leaves, being careful not to bruise them too much. This will add a burst of flavor and a pop of color to your salad.

Chill and Serve: Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. When ready to serve, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy: Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish at parties, barbecues, or family gatherings.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 50 min | 8 servings