Go Back
+ servings
Italian Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad: Fresh, Flavorful, and Perfectly Zesty

A vibrant and zesty Italian Pasta Salad, featuring fusilli, chickpeas, and fresh veggies, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces fusilli pasta swap with gluten-free pasta if needed
  • 15 ounces chickpeas drain and rinse canned chickpeas
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, any small tomato variety
  • 1 cup mini sweet peppers sliced, can use regular bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers substitute banana peppers if desired
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives green olives can be used
  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese can substitute with Pecorino Romano
  • 1/2 cup provolone or mozzarella cheese dairy-free cheese for vegan option
  • 4 cups baby spinach arugula or kale makes a good alternative
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil use high-quality oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar white wine vinegar is a good substitute
  • 1 tablespoon pepperoncini brine can substitute with fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons shallots finely chopped, yellow or red onion can be used
  • 2 cloves garlic minced, fresh garlic is best
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano fresh oregano can be used
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley fresh parsley can be used
  • to taste kosher salt adjust to personal preference
  • to taste black pepper adjust to personal preference

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • Whisk
  • spatula

Method
 

Step‑By‑Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fusilli pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water for 30 seconds.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and pepperoncini brine. Add shallots, garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, mini sweet peppers, and spinach. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours to chill.
  6. Before serving, toss the salad gently and add extra seasoning or olive oil if desired. Serve cold.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 9gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Make this salad 1-2 hours in advance for enhanced flavors. Use ample water and salt for boiling pasta. Taste dressing before adding to salad.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!