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Fresh Italian Pasta Salad with Salami and Mozzarella

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A quick and easy fresh Italian pasta salad featuring creamy mozzarella, savory salami, and a zesty dressing, perfect for summer parties and picnics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained and halved
  • 1 cup sliced salami (about 4 ounces), preferably Italian-style
  • 1 cup fresh arugula leaves
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup sliced black olives
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9 to 11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Place the drained, warm pasta into a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss gently. Add reserved pasta water if the salad feels dry.
  4. Fold in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup halved fresh mozzarella balls, 1 cup sliced salami, and 1 cup fresh arugula leaves. Toss gently to combine.
  5. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or olive oil as needed. Add crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
  6. Serve immediately at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness. Toss pasta while warm to absorb dressing better. Use fresh mozzarella for best texture. Avoid overdressing to keep salad from becoming soggy. Add arugula just before serving if chilling to keep it crisp.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian pasta salad, salami pasta salad, mozzarella salad, summer pasta salad, easy pasta salad, party salad, fresh pasta salad

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/fresh-italian-pasta-salad-with-salami-and-mozzarella-easy-recipe-for-summer-parties/