Chopped Pasta Salad w/ a Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Refresh your summer with this delicious pasta salad! Summer is the perfect time for light, refreshing dishes that are easy to make and bursting with flavor. This summer pasta salad, made with gluten-free fusilli and a medley of fresh vegetables, salami, and mozzarella, is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a simple lunch at home. The star of the dish is the tangy and creamy dressing, featuring roasted garlic, white wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 box of fusilli (I used gluten-free from @jovialfoods)

• 3 Persian cucumbers, peeled and chopped

• 1 bell pepper, diced

• 1/4 red onion, diced

• 1 cup diced salami

• 1 cup diced mozzarella

• 3/4 cup diced Kalamata olives

For the Dressing:

• 10 cloves roasted garlic (pre-roasted from the deli section of your market)

• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the fusilli and cook according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the water and transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent the pasta from sticking together.

2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients: While the pasta is cooking, chop the Persian cucumbers, bell pepper, red onion, salami, mozzarella, and Kalamata olives. Add these ingredients to the bowl with the cooked pasta.

3. Make the Dressing: In a blender, combine the roasted garlic, white wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

4. Combine and Serve: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is well coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

Final Thoughts

This summer pasta salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, from the crunchy vegetables to the savory salami and creamy mozzarella. The roasted garlic dressing adds a rich, tangy note that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering or enjoying it as a quick and easy meal, this pasta salad is sure to become a favorite. Try it out and let the vibrant tastes of summer brighten your table!