Italian Pasta Salad
Here’s an updated pasta salad recipe with a light dressing and a spicy kick!
(makes 6 servings)
Ingredients
¾ cup olive oil
¼ cup lemon juice
Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and (optional) cayenne pepper or red chili flakes, to taste
(optional) 2 teaspoons Dijon or whole grain mustard
12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle), cooked and drained
½ pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 shallot, minced
½ medium green bell pepper, diced
1 – 2oz can sliced black olives, drained
½ cup mini pepperoni
½ cup diced spicy, pepper coated, or regular salami
½ cup diced smoked ham
1 cup mini mozzarella balls
Chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
For the dressing:
Combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional cayenne or red chili flakes, and optional mustard in a bowl or glass jar with a lid. Whisk or shake to combine.
For the salad:
Prepare the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and place in a large mixing bowl.
Add remaining ingredients except for chopped chives and stir to combine.
Drizzle and stir in dressing.
Garnish with chopped chives and serve.