Simple Italian Pasta Salad

portion of Italian Pasta Salad in wooden serving spoon

Simple Italian Pasta Salad

This Italian Pasta Salad is quick, simple, and delicious! It's filled with a great mix of ingredients and tossed in a healthy zesty dressing that is wonderful!

Prep Time20

Cook Time10

Total Time30

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Italian pasta salad recipe, pasta salad

Servings: as a side

Ingredients

For the Dressing

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
3 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
pinch of cracked red pepper flakes

For the Pasta Salad

3 cups uncooked short pasta , such as Farfalle, Rotini, Radiatore, or Chiocciole
1 pound asparagus , tough ends removed, then cut into 1-inch pieces
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes , sliced in half
1 1/2 cups small cubed summer sausage
1/4 cup pine nuts , lightly toasted
2 scallions , diced
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

To make the dressing, put all of the ingredients into a jar with a tight-fitting lid; shake vigorously until well blended and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. 3 minutes before done, add the asparagus to simmering water and continue cooking. Drain the pasta and asparagus and run under cold water.
Transfer pasta and asparagus to a large bowl. Stir in the tomatoes, summer sausage, pine nuts, scallions, and Parmesan.
Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss to combine and fully coat.
Enjoy right away at room temperature or refrigerate for a couple hours to meld the flavors.
Serve with extra Parmesan, if desired.

Notes

You can use a store-bought Italian dressing instead of the homemade, if you prefer.

Nutrition