Mediterranean Fusilli Pasta Salad

Submitted by Chef Dudo

"This is a light and easy summer salad. Have made it many times since I found it a while ago in a recipebinder. The recipe can of course be doubled or trebled for a crowd. What I mostly like about it is the twang and yet sweetness of the balsamic vinegar plus that the amount of oil is not overpowering. But that is a personal preference."

 

• Ready In: 25mins
• Ingredients: 13
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 1 cup fusilli, uncooked
• 3 tablespoons red onions, finely chopped
• 1 cup tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 1⁄4 cup celery, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons kalamata olives, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1⁄4 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons garlic oil
• salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 3 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed

directions

1. Cook the pasta according to directions on the packet.
2. Drain and let cool.
3. Mix pasta with the onion, tomato, celery, basil, olives and capers.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, sugar and vinegar.
5. Gradually beat in the oil until an emulsion forms.
6. Pour this vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and season with salt and pepper.
7. Chill the salad in the refrigerator.
8. When it is cold, mix in the mozzarella.

Reviews

[rpgaymer]

I'm not crazy about cold pasta salads, but this was great. I did change the ingredient amounts around though, and used agave syrup instead of sugar. I also left out the cheese, and added chopped anchovies. It was the perfect addition! If you like anchovies, try it.

 

[Sydney Mike]

Made two slight changes when preparing this salad ~ I had some diced sweet onion from the day before so chopped it even finer & used that, & then I substituted lemon pepper for the usual S&P! Otherwise the recipe was followed, & we had a wonderfully satisfying pasta salad! Thanks so much for posting the recipe! [Made & reviewed in I Recommend recipe tag]

 

[loof751]

We really loved this pasta salad! I don't care for onions so left them out, and used a little less cheese than called for. The dressing on this is terrific, loved the dijon/balsamic combination and it's a great matchup with all the other wonderful ingredients. Great recipe - thanks for sharing it!