This Tuscan Herb Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the best of Italian ingredients into one refreshing bowl. It's perfect for a quick lunch, a potluck, or as a side for your summer grilling adventures.
Rotini pasta: The perfect shape for holding onto all the delicious dressing and goodies in the salad.
Cherry tomatoes: They add a burst of sweetness and color.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These provide a concentrated tomato flavor and a chewy texture.
Artichoke hearts: They bring a tender yet slightly tangy element to the salad.
Black olives: For a touch of brininess that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Red onion: Adds a bit of sharpness and crunch.
Fresh basil: Its fragrant aroma is quintessentially Italian and ties the flavors together.
Parsley: Adds freshness and a bit of earthiness.
Extra virgin olive oil: Acts as the base for the dressing, bringing richness and flavor.
Red wine vinegar: Provides acidity to balance the richness of the olive oil.
Dried oregano: Enhances the herbal notes of the salad.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky undertone without overpowering the salad.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
Grated Parmesan cheese: A finishing touch that adds a savory, nutty flavor.
This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak. It also works well alongside a light, crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea. For a more substantial meal, serve it with a crusty Italian bread to soak up any extra dressing.
Start by cooking your rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked to al dente perfection, drain it and give it a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set it aside and let it drain completely.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, black olives, red onion, fresh basil, and parsley. Toss them together until they are well mixed.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour this dressing over your pasta and vegetable mix, and toss everything together to coat evenly.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and give it another light toss to ensure everything is well distributed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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