Italian salad with flavorful dressing

Italian Salad with Flavorful Dressing

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

I invite you to discover a delicious and quick recipe, perfect for warm days or a savory lunch. The Italian salad with flavorful dressing is not just a feast for the eyes but also a tempting combination of flavors and textures. In this recipe, the cooked pasta harmoniously blends with fresh vegetables and savory ingredients, providing you with a meal full of vitality and taste.

The history of Italian salads is fascinating, with deep roots in Mediterranean culinary traditions. These salads are often associated with the simplicity of fresh ingredients and the joy of eating together. From simple vegetable salads to sophisticated ones with meat and cheese, Italian salads are versatile and colorful.

Ingredients:
- 200 g pasta (preferably short pasta like penne or fusilli)
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow)
- 100 g green or black olives, pitted
- 150 g salami or pressed ham, cut into small pieces
- Grated Parmesan cheese, to taste (amount as desired)
- Salt, to taste
- Flavorful dressing (see recipe below)

Preparation:
1. Start by bringing water to a boil in a large pot. Add a teaspoon of salt to the water to flavor the pasta. Wait until the water starts boiling.

2. When the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8 and 10 minutes, until al dente. This step is essential, as al dente pasta has a more pleasant texture and won’t become mushy in the salad.

3. While the pasta is boiling, wash the tomatoes and bell pepper well. Cut the tomatoes into cubes and the bell pepper into strips or cubes, according to your preference. If you like more intense flavors, you can also add some red onion or stuffed olives.

4. Once the pasta is ready, drain it and rinse it quickly under cold running water to stop the cooking process. This simple trick helps prevent the pasta from sticking together.

5. In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta with the tomatoes, bell pepper, olives, and salami or ham. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.

6. Finally, add the flavorful dressing (see recipe below) and mix again. The dressing adds an extra layer of flavor and aroma, turning the salad into a true feast.

7. At the end, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the salad, to taste. If desired, you can also add some fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of flavor and freshness.

Flavorful Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: a few fresh basil or oregano leaves, finely chopped

In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients for the dressing. Use a whisk or a fork to emulsify the oil and vinegar until you achieve a smooth consistency.

Useful Tips:
- Choose fresh, quality ingredients to make a truly delicious salad. Seasonal tomatoes, for example, have a much more intense flavor.
- You can also add other ingredients, such as feta cheese or mozzarella, to vary the recipe.
- If you like it spicy, add a bit of finely chopped chili pepper to the dressing.

Nutritional values (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g

This Italian salad is perfect for serving at lunch or as a side dish to a flavorful meal. You can pair it with a glass of white wine or a refreshing herbal tea to complete the culinary experience.

If you want to add a touch of creativity, you can transform this salad into a warm dish by adding the pasta directly to a pan with a splash of olive oil and letting it sauté slightly. This trick brings a crunchy texture and a more intense flavor.

By trying this recipe, you will delight your family and friends with a delicious meal full of color and taste. The Italian salad with flavorful dressing is not just a simple recipe but also an opportunity to enjoy moments spent around the table, sharing stories and culinary joys. Enjoy your meal!