The Best Pasta Salad
This delicious pasta salad has always been a family favorite, fondly known as “Grandpa’s Pasta Salad” because it was one of his most-loved dishes, especially at family gatherings. It brings me so much joy that this is also my husband’s favorite pasta salad!
Ingredients for the Pasta Salad:
– 1 pound uncooked pasta (I prefer rotini!)
– 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese balls, halved
– 1 lb. salami or summer sausage, cut into cubes
– 3/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
– 3/4 cup pepperoncini (optional, but highly recommended)
– 1/2 cup red onion, sliced
– 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Ingredients for the Italian Pasta Salad Dressing:
– 1 1/2 cups olive oil
– 1/4 cup white vinegar (white or red wine vinegar works)
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt (see notes!)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 teaspoons dried oregano
– 2 teaspoons dried basil
– Black pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs if desired (such as parsley, basil, or chives)
How to Make The Best Pasta Salad:
1. **Cook the Pasta:** Cook the pasta according to the package directions in salted water for extra flavor. Once cooked, allow the pasta to cool slightly and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. **Make the Dressing:** Blend the dressing ingredients in a blender or shake them together in a jar until well combined.
3. **Assemble the Salad:** Toss the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, salami or sausage, olives, pepperoncini, red onion, and parsley. Pour about three-fourths of the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine. Save the remaining dressing to refresh leftovers later.
4. **Chill and Serve:** Store the pasta salad in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It tastes best the day after it’s made when all the flavors have melded together.
Enjoy this simple yet flavorful pasta salad at your next family gathering!