Chopped Italian Pasta Salad
Inspired by a Chopped Italian Salad, this pasta-filled version is packed with hearty meats, and vegetables and is tossed in a flavorful vinaigrette. Chickpeas provide texture and herbs add fresh flavor. Wonderful as a side dish or serve as the main course.
Chopped Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb cavatappi pasta cooked, drained and cooled slightly
- ¼ lb salami sliced into thin strips
- ¼ lb pepperoni sliced into thin strips
- ¼ lb provolone cut into small pieces
- 1 container fresh mozzarella pearls drained
- ½ red onion thinly sliced
- ¾ cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- ½ cup marinated cherry peppers (mild or hot as desired) thinly sliced
- ½ cup pepperoncinis thinly sliced
- handful of fresh parsley and basil roughly torn for garnish
Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tab lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground pepper
- 2 tsp white balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Whisk the dressing ingredients to combine thouroughly.
- Place all pasta salad ingredients in a large bowl and toss with dressing until well mixed. Garnish with fresh herbs.