Italian Pasta Salad - Or Whatever You Do

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

This Italian Pasta Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that combines pasta, fresh vegetables, and Italian flavors for a satisfying meal. The combination of penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, pepperoni, olives, and mozzarella creates a vibrant and tasty salad. The dressing is made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper, adding the perfect amount of zing to the dish. This salad can be served as a main course or alongside other dishes for a more extensive meal.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 8 ounces penne pasta, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
- 1/2 cup pepperoni, chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- Salt and pepper, to taste

For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. Set aside to cool.

2. Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes, or until tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside to cool.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, steamed broccoli, pepperoni, olives, and mozzarella cubes. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.

4. In a small bowl or jar, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.

5. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.

6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish or main course. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 427
- Total Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Cholesterol: 36mg
- Sodium: 1015mg
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 20g