Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Cook pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the coarse salt. Add 12 oz rotini or fusilli and cook until al dente according to package directions (usually 8–10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Drain pasta in a colander and immediately rinse under cold running water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Shake well to remove excess water. Transfer pasta to a large mixing bowl.

Prepare vegetables while the pasta cooks: halve 2 cups cherry tomatoes; seed and dice 1 cup cucumber; dice 1 cup red bell pepper; thinly slice 1 small red onion; halve 3 oz kalamata olives; slice 1/2 cup pepperoncini; halve 8 oz mozzarella pearls; chiffonade 1/2 cup basil and chop 1/4 cup parsley.

Add all prepared vegetables, olives, peppers, herbs, and mozzarella to the bowl with the cooled pasta. Toss gently to distribute.

Mix dressing

In a medium bowl or a jar with a lid, combine 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 2 tbs fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, minced garlic (2 cloves), 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (optional), 1 tsp sugar or honey (optional), 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.

Whisk vigorously (or shake in jar) until the dressing emulsifies and slightly thickens, about 30 seconds. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar or lemon if needed.

Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the pasta-vegetable mixture and toss well to coat. Reserve the remaining dressing to add later if needed.

Fold in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and gently toss. If the salad seems dry, add more reserved dressing, 1–2 tbs at a time, until you reach the desired coating.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld (1–2 hours is better). Toss again just before serving to redistribute dressing.

Taste and correct seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar or lemon juice if desired. Garnish with extra basil leaves and an optional sprinkle of additional Parmesan.