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Perfect Pasta Salad Recipe with Red Wine Vinaigrette

A vibrant, customizable pasta salad featuring spiral pasta, fresh vegetables, two types of cheese, and a tangy homemade red wine vinaigrette. Perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or as a side dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Grain & Pasta Salads
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 363
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound dried pasta like fusilli, penne, rotini or farfalle
  • 1 cup sliced bell pepper, 1 medium
  • 1 cup thinly sliced zucchini, 1/2 medium
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions, 5 to 6 green onions
  • 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers optional
  • 1 cup halved mixed olives (4 ounces)
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (2 ounces)
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, chopped (6 ounces)
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley or basil optional
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2-3 tablespoons juice from pepperoncini jar optional
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until tender (6-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. While pasta cooks, whisk together red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, oregano, pepperoncini juice, and olive oil in a large bowl.
  3. Add cooled pasta to the dressing and mix well.
  4. Stir in bell pepper, zucchini, tomatoes, green onions, pepperoncini, olives, cheeses, and herbs.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  6. For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a Mediterranean variation, substitute feta for the parmesan and add artichoke hearts.
  • Make it a complete meal by adding diced salami, chicken, or tuna.
  • The pasta salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • If made ahead, you may want to refresh with a little olive oil before serving.