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Italian Pasta Salad

Vibrant Italian Pasta Salad That Will Wow Your Guests

A refreshing Italian Pasta Salad packed with chickpeas and vibrant flavors, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Fusilli Pasta Any pasta shape can be substituted.
For the Salad
  • 1 can Chickpeas Drained and rinsed.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved, substitutes allowed.
  • 1 cup Mini Sweet Peppers Thinly sliced or bell pepper substitutes.
  • ½ cup Pepperoncini Peppers Sliced, jalapeños can be a substitute.
  • ½ cup Kalamata Olives Black olives can be substituted.
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast for vegan option.
  • ½ cup Diced Provolone Cheese Feta cheese can be used instead.
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Arugula makes a peppery substitute.
For the Dressing
  • ½ cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Choose high-quality.
  • ¼ cup Red Wine Vinegar Balsamic vinegar can be used for a sweeter note.
  • 2 tbsp Pepperoncini Brine or Lemon Juice Enhances dressing flavor.
  • 1 small Shallot Minced, red onion is a substitute.
  • 1 clove Garlic Minced, fresh or roasted can be used.
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano Fresh herbs can elevate flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Dried Parsley
  • Kosher Salt To taste.
  • Black Pepper To taste.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium bowl
  • colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Tongs

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice. Add shallot, garlic, oregano, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chickpeas, tomatoes, sweet peppers, spinach, pepperoncini, olives, Parmesan, and provolone. Stir until well mixed.
  4. Drizzle dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving. Toss again before serving and drizzle with olive oil if it appears dry.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Chill for a few hours for enhanced flavors. Can be customized with additional ingredients like cucumbers or artichokes.

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