Ingredients
– 1 pound dried pasta such as fusilli, penne, rotini, or farfalle
– 1 cup sliced bell pepper about 1 medium
– 1 cup thinly sliced zucchini about 1/2 medium
– 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
– 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions about 5 to 6 green onions
– 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers optional
– 1 cup 4 ounces halved mixed olives
– 1 cup 2 ounces grated parmesan cheese or other hard cheese
– 1 cup 6 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, chopped
– 1/3 cup fresh parsley or basil optional
– 1/3 cup red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or champagne vinegar
– 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt plus more to taste
– 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– 2 to 3 tablespoons juice from pepperoncini jar optional
– 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
1-First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and keep the texture firm.
2-Second, prepare all vegetables by washing them thoroughly; slice the bell pepper, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, green onions, and any optional peppers.
3-Third, in a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the prepared vegetables for even mixing.
4-Fourth, add the olives, cheeses, and herbs, then pour in the homemade dressing and toss gently to coat everything without mashing the ingredients.
5-Fifth, taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
6-Finally, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend, and remember to adapt for dietary needs by swapping ingredients like the cheese or pasta as mentioned earlier.
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
🌶️ Add pepperoncini juice sparingly for desired tangy kick.
🧀 Use fresh, quality cheeses for best flavor.
🥗 Refrigerate the salad before serving for the best flavor combination.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling, tossing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian