I must have been an Italian in my past Life as I love anything Italian

This is a delicious and very easy salad to make, great as a main or as a side

Serves 4

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 25 mins

See below for hints


Recipe by anitalianinmykitchen

Ingredients​

• 2-3 medium-large tomatoes diced and not too ripe but firm
• 1 large fresh mozzarella ball diced more if you desire
• 5-7 fresh basil leaves chopped
• 6-8 strips grilled zucchini chopped
• 10 black pitted olives chopped
• 1-2 dashes chili flakes or black pepper (optional)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 3½-4 cups cooked short pasta 700 grams, approximately 2 1/4 -2 1/2 cups dry

Instructions​

• 1. Cook pasta in boiling salted water. Drain (do not rinse) and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, let cool.

• 2. While the pasta is cooking in a medium bowl, toss gently together the tomatoes, mozzarella, zucchini, olives, basil leaves and chili flakes or pepper add the cooked pasta and olive oil (more if needed). Toss gently together, serve immediately or chill until ready to serve. Chilling will make it more flavorful. Enjoy!

Notes
​

Zucchini should be cut into thin strips or slices, lightly coated in olive oil, then grilled or sautéed until just tender but still crisp

Storage: Store this Italian pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Do not freeze.

Make ahead: This pasta salad is great to make ahead. After assembling add only half of the additional olive oil. Then just before serving, add the remaining oil plus extra if needed. This will ensure that the pasta does not get too soggy and all flavors remain fresh.

Variations And Substitutions​

• Dressing: I love just olive oil in this salad but free to use your favorite Italian salad dressing or even pesto.

• Other vegetables: Feel free to add chopped cucumbers, red onion, red bell pepper, mushrooms, artichokes, fresh spinach or beans.

• Meat: While this salad is naturally vegetarian, you can add some extra protein from Italian meats. Try mini pepperonis, chopped salami, diced ham or prosciutto.

• Dried herbs: Add a pinch of Italian seasoning for additional flavor.
• Fresh herbs: In addition or as a substitute to basil try fresh parsley or fresh dill.
• Garnish: Garnish your salad with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or Parmesan cheese if you would like.

Nutrition​

Calories: 262kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 123mg | Potassium: 644mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 780IU | Vitamin C: 40.7mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1.3mg