Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Rotini or Fusilli pasta
  • 8 oz Hard salami, diced small
  • 8 oz Fresh mozzarella pearls
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup Red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup Red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Black olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Italian parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Fresh basil, chiffonade
  • 3/4 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup Red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Honey
  • 1 tsp Dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes

Instructions:

  1. Boil a large pot of heavily salted water. Cook the pasta for 1 minute less than the package instructions to ensure it remains al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process. Transfer to a large mixing bowl while the pasta is still slightly warm.
  3. In a mason jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, honey, dried Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Shake or whisk vigorously until the emulsion is opaque and velvety.
  4. Add the diced salami, mozzarella pearls, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, sliced black olives, chopped parsley, and basil to the warm pasta.
  5. Pour the zesty dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours to allow the pasta to absorb the dressing and the flavors to marry before serving.