Italian Garden Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing and Sticky Balsamic Pearls

Appetisers & Sides

Main Ingredient: Pasta
Prep Time: 30 mins (plus at least 2 hrs chill time)
Serves: 6-8 as a side dish / 4 as a light main
Recipe by: Sticky Balsamic

Ingredients

FOR THE ITALIAN GARDEN PASTA SALAD
500g (1 lb) penne or fusilli pasta
250g (9 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
200g (7 oz) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
150g (5 oz) salami or prosciutto, diced (optional)
100g (3.5 oz) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
80g (3 oz) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1 red capsicum (bell pepper), diced
1/2 red onion, finely diced
60g (2 oz) fresh basil leaves, torn
30g (1 oz) fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons Sticky Balsamic Original Pearls
1 tablespoon Sticky Balsamic Fig Pearls
FOR THE ITALIAN DRESSING:
90ml (6 tablespoons) extra virgin olive oil
45ml (3 tablespoons) Sticky Balsamic Original
15ml (1 tablespoon) red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon sugar or honey
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
60g (2 oz) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

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Main Ingredient: Pasta
Prep Time: 30 mins (plus at least 2 hrs chill time)
Serves: 6-8 as a side dish / 4 as a light main
Recipe by: Sticky Balsamic

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This exceptional pasta salad with Italian dressing elevates the classic summer dish through innovative molecular gastronomy elements and fresh, quality ingredients. This gourmet Italian pasta salad demonstrates how Sticky Balsamic Pearls can transform traditional preparations into restaurant-quality experiences that satisfy both visually and culinarily.

Method:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta for Your Pasta Salad

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Drain thoroughly and transfer to a large mixing bowl. This technique ensures your pasta salad with Italian dressing maintains optimal texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Italian Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together Sticky Balsamic Original, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, Dijon mustard, and sugar. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in half the grated Parmesan. This homemade Italian dressing is what makes this pasta salad with Italian dressing exceptional.

Step 3: Prepare the Garden Vegetables

While pasta cooks, prepare all vegetables and herbs. Halve cherry tomatoes, dice capsicum and red onion, chop sun-dried tomatoes, and tear fresh herbs. Proper preparation ensures even distribution throughout your pasta salad with Italian dressing.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients for Your Pasta Salad

Add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, diced salami (if using), sun-dried tomatoes, olives, capsicum, and red onion to the cooled pasta. This creates the foundation of your pasta salad with Italian dressing.

Step 5: Dress Your Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. This step ensures every element of your pasta salad with Italian dressing is perfectly seasoned.

Step 6: Add Fresh Herbs to Your Pasta Salad

Fold in torn basil leaves and chopped parsley, reserving some for garnish. Fresh herbs are essential for an authentic pasta salad with Italian dressing.

Step 7: Chill and Marinate Your Pasta Salad

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavours to meld and develop. This resting period is crucial for the best pasta salad with Italian dressing.

Step 8: Final Presentation of Your Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Just before serving, sprinkle Sticky Balsamic Original Pearls and Fig Pearls over the salad. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese and the reserved fresh herbs. This final touch transforms your pasta salad with Italian dressing into a gourmet experience.