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4th of July Summer Pasta Salad

Celebrate with 4th of July Summer Pasta Salad Bliss

This 4th of July Summer Pasta Salad is a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for festive gatherings and barbecues.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 56 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Rotini Pasta Can swap with penne or fusilli
  • 6 oz Salami Pepperoni or grilled chicken can be used
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Diced cucumbers can be used instead
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper Red or yellow for a sweeter taste
  • 1 small Red Onion Green onions as a milder alternative
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives Green olives can be substituted or omitted
  • 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese Feta can add a tangy touch instead
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Can use dried basil if fresh unavailable
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil Avocado oil can be used as a substitute
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar Cider vinegar or lemon juice work well
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Individual dried herbs can be alternatives
  • 1 tbsp Honey Adjust to taste; maple syrup could be used

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • small bowl

Method
 

Prepare the Salad
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook for 9 to 11 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  2. Chop the cherry tomatoes, green bell pepper, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Dice the salami and kalamata olives, and chiffonade the fresh basil leaves. If using block mozzarella, shred it now. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp of Italian seasoning, 1 tbsp of honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well blended.
  4. In the large mixing bowl with the cooled pasta, add the chopped vegetables, salami, shredded mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle the dressing over and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld the flavors.
  6. Before serving, toss the salad again to redistribute the dressing and serve cold with picnic dishes or grilled meats.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingsCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Customize with favorite vegetables or proteins to cater to different tastes. Transport in an airtight container with ice packs for outdoor gatherings.

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