Patriotic Italian Pasta Salad with Protein+ Stars

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian, salad

Servings 10 servings

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad:

1 14.5 oz box Barilla Protein+ Stars pasta (or any star-shaped pasta)
1½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
8 oz mozzarella pearls or diced fresh mozzarella
4 oz salami sliced into ribbons
1 cup cucumber diced
¼ cup red onion finely diced
⅓ cup sliced pepperoncini
¼ cup fresh basil chopped

For the Italian Dressing: (Extra dressing because this salad needs it!)

½ cup olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp honey
2 garlic cloves minced
2 tsp Italian seasoning
¾ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper

Let's Make It

Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, salami, cucumber, red onion, pepperoncini, and basil.
Pour about ¾ of the dressing over the pasta salad and toss well to combine.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Just before serving, toss with the remaining dressing to freshen everything up and add extra flavor.
Garnish with additional fresh basil and mozzarella stars if desired.

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