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.