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Italian Pasta Salad

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad for the Perfect Summer Picnic

This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a refreshing dish featuring chickpeas and zesty dressing, perfect for summer picnics.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Fusilli Pasta or any short pasta
  • 1 can Chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup Mini Sweet Peppers sliced
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoncini Peppers sliced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives sliced
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese cubed
  • 1/2 cup Provolone Cheese cubed
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil high-quality
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Pepperoncini Brine
  • 2 medium Shallots minced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tbsp Chopped Parsley
  • to taste Kosher Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl
  • medium bowl
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the fusilli pasta in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini brine, minced shallots, minced garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, sweet peppers, spinach, pepperoncini, olives, and cheeses. Toss gently.
  4. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
  5. Give the salad a final toss before serving and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 35IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Allow your salad to chill for optimal flavor. Fresh ingredients greatly enhance the dish's quality.

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