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Italian Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad
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Discover the vibrant flavors of this Italian Pasta Salad, a delightful dish that brings together colorful veggies and hearty chickpeas tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family picnic, a backyard BBQ, or a quick weeknight dinner, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also makes for an excellent make-ahead option. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—customize it with your favorite ingredients or what’s in season! Enjoy the freshness of each bite and make this salad a staple in your meal prep routine.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb. fusilli pasta
  • 1 (15-oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup mini sweet peppers, thinly sliced
  • 3/4 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
  • 3/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3/4 cup cubed provolone or mozzarella cheese
  • 2 to 3 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup apple vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. pepperoncini brine (or fresh lemon juice)
  • 3 Tbsp. minced shallots
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 2 tsp. dried parsley
  • 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook fusilli pasta in salted water until al dente; drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple vinegar, pepperoncini brine (or lemon juice), shallots, garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, sweet peppers, spinach, pepperoncini peppers, olives, Parmesan cheese, and provolone cheese. Pour the dressing over top and toss gently until well combined.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingwitheliana.com/italian-pasta-salad/