Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is a must make for any occasion! A summer classic loaded with cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, Italian ham, mozzarella, and fresh basil. Perfect side dish for BBQ parties, potlucks, or as a quick weeknight meal!
Servings: 8
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp basil pesto
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Pasta Salad:
- 1 lb farfalle pasta or other pasta of choice
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls halved
- 1/3 cup diced dried tomatoes
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes quartered
- 8 oz Italian style ham diced into 0.5" cubes
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup basil leaves
Instructions
- Place all the dressing ingredients in a jar or dressing shaker and shake well until combined. Set aside.
- Cook pasta according to packet directions until al dente. Drain cooked pasta and rinse under cold water. Transfer cooked pasta into large bowl.
- Roast pine nuts at medium heat until they're golden brown and smell flavorful. Add to the pasta.
- Add remaining pasta salad ingredients and drizzle over the dressing. Toss until combined. Serve at room temperature or store in the fridge until you want to serve it. This salad tastes great on the next day!
Nutrition
Calories: 522kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 611mg | Potassium: 497mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 375IU | Vitamin C: 10.6mg | Calcium: 178mg | Iron: 2.2mg