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Italian Pasta Salad

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad That's Perfect for Summer Gatherings

This Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant, make-ahead dish featuring fusilli noodles, chickpeas, and colorful veggies, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 12 oz Fusilli Pasta Any short pasta works in a pinch.
  • 1 can Chickpeas 15 oz, packed with protein.
  • 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes Halved, adds freshness.
  • 1 cup Mini Sweet Peppers Thinly sliced, provides crunch.
  • 3/4 cup Pepperoncini Peppers Sliced, adds zesty flavor.
  • 3/4 cup Kalamata Olives Halved, introduces a salty pop.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated, offers creaminess.
  • 3/4 cup Provolone or Mozzarella Cheese Cubed, brings additional creaminess.
  • 2 to 3 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Chopped, provides greens.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Base of your zesty dressing.
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar Delivers tanginess.
  • 2 tbsp Pepperoncini Brine or Fresh Lemon Juice Adds delightful acidity.
  • 3 tbsp Minced Shallots Deepens flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced, an aromatic flavor boost.
  • 2 tsp Dried Oregano Adds herbaceous notes.
  • 2 tsp Dried Parsley Freshness enhancer.
  • 3/4 tsp Kosher Salt Essential basic seasoning.
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Essential basic seasoning.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • medium bowl
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and pepperoncini brine or fresh lemon juice. Add minced shallots, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, drained chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, mini sweet peppers, fresh baby spinach, sliced pepperoncini, and halved Kalamata olives. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad and gently fold until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow your salad to chill for at least 1-2 hours before serving to enhance flavors. Leftovers can last up to 3 days in the fridge.

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