Let’s take a trip! A flavor trip, that is! Italian Countryside Pasta Salad takes you down a winding road that leads you straight to a bowl of tender, colorful corkscrew pasta mixed with fresh veggies, salty pepperonis, rich basil, creamy mozzarella, and spicy pepperoncini. The garlicy, tangy dressing it’s all coated in will leave your tastebuds satisfied yet hungry for another tasty adventure. Get ready to explore this Italian Countryside Pasta Salad time and time again… because it’s just so breathtakingly delicious!
Ingredients
For the pasta salad:
- 1 pound tri-color corkscrew pasta
- 1 (12-ounce jar) marinated quartered artichoke hearts, drained
- 8 ounces smoked mozzarella, cubed
- 1 (8-ounce) link spicy pepperoni, cubed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons jarred chopped pepperoncini
- 1 large handful fresh basil leaves, torn
For the dressing:
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- kosher salt, to taste
- ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
Step 1 –In a large pot of salted, boiling water, cook the pasta to al dente, according to the package directions.
Step 2 –Drain the pasta well and allow it to cool.
Step 3 –Add the artichoke hearts, the mozzarella, the pepperoni, the tomatoes, the pepperoncini, and the basil to a large bowl.
Step 4 –Stir the cooled pasta into the pasta mixture.
Step 5 –In a small bowl, whisk the garlic, the red wine vinegar, the olive oil, the salt, and the pepper together.
Step 6 –Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss to coat.
Step 7 –Serve.
