Italian Pasta Salad

Homemade Italian dressing and freshly grated parmesan cheese lends intense flavor to this summer staple. This salad will last, covered and refrigerated, for up to 3 days. It's great to have on hand for a quick lunch or dinner. Pairs well with grilled chicken, steak or fish, for a well-balanced easy meal.

Ingredients

For the salad

16 oz fusilli pasta, cooked al dente according to the package instructions, strained and rinsed under cold water
- Nutrition tip: substitute whole grain pasta such as brown rice or red lentil for added nutritional value and to create a gluten free version
1 cup celery, sliced in 1/4 inch pieces
1/2 cup Castelvetrano olives, roughly chopped
1 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated

For the Italian dressing

2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp honey
1/8 tsp dried parsley
1/8 tsp dried oregano
1/8 tsp dried basil
Pinch of kosher salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Preparation

Combine Salad Vegetables

In a large salad bowl toss together the celery, cherry tomatoes, and olives

Make the Italian Dressing

Combine vinegar, garlic, honey, parsley, oregano, basil, salt and pepper until well mixed. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until well blended. Set aside.

Combine Pasta and Vegetables

Combine the cooled, rinsed pasta with the salad vegetables.

Add the dressing and mix until pasta is well coated.

Add the Cheese

Stir the grated cheese into the pasta salad until well distributed throughout.

Taste and add freshly grated black pepper and salt, as needed.

Combine and Serve!

Serve this salad at your next picnic, pack it for a quick on-the-go lunch, or as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish. The options are endless.

Refresh the salad with an extra drizzle of olive oil or a splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Try adding chopped toasted nuts (pignoli would work well here) or your favorite bean (cannellini or toasted chickpeas would keep with the Italian theme).

Nutrition Corner

This salad offers a myriad of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats, fiber and plant-based protein. Combined, these nutrients support a healthy metabolism, offer immune system, gut health and digestion support, blood pressure regulation, heart health, eye health and improved brain function. In addition, anti-inflammatory effects can help combat oxidative stress and reduce risk of chronic disease.

Did you give this recipe a try?

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