Name: The Best Easy Italian Pasta Salad
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 10+ - this yields more than 15 cups
Ingredients: 1 pound uncooked pasta - I like rotini!; 3 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese balls, cut in half; 1 lb. salami or summer sausage, cut into cubes; 3/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced; 3/4 cup pepperoncini (optional, but do it); 1/2 cup sliced red onion; 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 1/2 cups olive oil; 1/4 cup white vinegar (white vinegar or red wine vinegar work); 1/4 cup water; 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt (yes, tablespoons - see notes!); 2 cloves garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder); 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 teaspoons each dry oregano and dry basil; black pepper to taste; fresh herbs if you want! sometimes I add fresh parsley, basil, or chives.