Ingredients
1 pound dried pasta such as fusilli, penne, rotini, farfalle, or orzo
1 cup sliced bell pepper
1 cup thinly sliced zucchini or cucumber
1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
1/4 to 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions or red onion
1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers (optional)
1 cup halved mixed olives
1 cup cheese such as grated parmesan, cubed fresh mozzarella, or cubed block feta
1/3 cup fresh parsley, basil, or other herbs (optional)
Optional: salami cubes or slices
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until just tender, about 6 to 10 minutes. Slightly overcook for better dressing absorption.
2. Drain and rinse pasta under cold water to remove starch and cool it. Optionally, toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients: extra-virgin olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, sugar, pepperoncini juice, and lemon zest or juice (if using).
4. Add the drained pasta to the dressing and toss well to coat evenly.
5. Stir in the vegetables, olives, cheese, herbs, and optional salami.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional herbs.
7. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Toss again before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🧊 Rinsing pasta with cold water removes excess starch, improving texture.
🍋 For added zest, incorporate lemon zest and pepperoncini juice into the dressing.
🧀 Add delicate cheeses like feta right before serving if storing to avoid sogginess.
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of salad
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 20mg