Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Tomato, Mozzarella & Salami
Indulge in this vibrant Mediterranean Pasta Salad, a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The whole wheat spiral pasta is complemented by juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and savory salami, all harmoniously tied together with a zesty balsamic vinaigrette. Topped with fresh basil and red onion, this dish is perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or as a refreshing side at your next gathering. Enjoy it warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole wheat spiral pasta
1 lb (cooked until al dente)
cherry tomatoes
1 pint (halved)
fresh mozzarella cheese balls
1 cup (drained and bite-sized)
salami
1/4 lb (sliced to match the width of the pasta)
red onion
1/2 (thinly sliced)
fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup (julienned)
balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat spiral pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside to cool slightly.
2
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk the ingredients until well combined, creating a flavorful dressing.
3
3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, bite-sized mozzarella cheese balls, sliced salami, thinly sliced red onion, and julienned fresh basil to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to coat the ingredients evenly.
4
4. Once the pasta has cooled slightly, add it to the bowl and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated in the dressing and the ingredients are evenly mixed.
5
5. Serve the pasta salad warm, at room temperature, or refrigerate it for a couple of hours for a chilled option. Enjoy this delightful Mediterranean dish on its own or as a side dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Tomato, Mozzarella & Salami?
It is a vibrant fusion dish featuring whole wheat spiral pasta, cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and savory salami, all tossed in a zesty balsamic vinaigrette.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of whole wheat spiral pasta.
How long should I cook the pasta?
Cook the pasta for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it reaches an al dente texture.
What ingredients are in the balsamic vinaigrette?
The dressing is made from balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Can this pasta salad be served cold?
Yes, you can refrigerate it for a couple of hours and serve it as a chilled option.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe and is suitable for a fast lunch or side dish.
What kind of cheese is used in this salad?
The recipe uses 1 cup of fresh mozzarella cheese balls, drained and cut into bite-sized pieces.
How should the cherry tomatoes be prepared?
One pint of cherry tomatoes should be halved before being added to the salad.
How much salami is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1/4 lb of salami.
How should the salami be sliced?
The salami should be sliced to match the width of the spiral pasta.
What is the best way to prepare the fresh basil?
The 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves should be julienned.
Does this recipe contain any spice?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of zest.
Can I serve this pasta salad at room temperature?
Yes, it is versatile and can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Is the red onion cooked in this recipe?
No, 1/2 of a red onion is thinly sliced and added raw to provide a crisp texture.
What is the role of Dijon mustard in the dressing?
The 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard add a tangy flavor and help bind the vinaigrette together.
How many ingredients are used in total?
There are 11 total ingredients in this recipe.
Is this dish suitable for a picnic?
Absolutely, its versatility and ability to be served cold make it an excellent choice for picnics.
Should I salt the pasta water?
Yes, the instructions recommend bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
What is the suggested serving size for this recipe?
While the specific serving size is not listed, the recipe uses 1 lb of pasta which typically serves 4-6 people.
Is this a Mediterranean-style dish?
Yes, it features classic Mediterranean flavors like balsamic, olive oil, fresh basil, and mozzarella.
Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat?
The recipe specifies whole wheat for added fiber and nutrition, but regular spiral pasta can be used as a substitute.
How do I ensure the dressing is well combined?
Whisk the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, mustard, salt, and pepper flakes in a large bowl before adding other ingredients.
When should I add the pasta to the other ingredients?
Add the pasta once it has been drained and allowed to cool slightly.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and utilizes whole grains and fresh vegetables.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How much balsamic vinegar is used?
You will need 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar for the dressing.
Is this considered a main dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal, though it also works well as a side.
How much salt is added to the dressing?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt in the vinaigrette.
How do I mix the salad to prevent the ingredients from breaking?
The instructions recommend gently tossing the ingredients to coat them evenly with the dressing.
What is the first step in making this salad?
The first step is to bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook the pasta.