ITALIAN BASIL PASTA SALAD

Italian Basil Pasta Salad image

Ready for a big bite of summertime? Pass around this garden-fresh pasta salad. I'd suggest serving it at your next dinner party, potluck or luncheon. -Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 30m

Yield 18 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) bow tie pasta
2 cups grape tomatoes
7 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
1 medium sweet yellow pepper, chopped
1 small red onion, chopped
1/2 cup pickled banana pepper rings
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
4 thin slices hard salami, diced
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
DRESSING:
3/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried basil

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, cheese, yellow pepper, onion, pepper rings, olives, salami and basil. , In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 224 calories, Fat 13g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 11mg cholesterol, Sodium 221mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.