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This post was created in partnership with Stonyfield and prAna. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
Bring the fun of an antipasto spread to picnic season with this colorful spin on an Italian favorite + a giveaway from prAna!
I love warm weather. It's the perfect time of year to get together with friends and family for outdoor picnics, potlucks and BBQs. It's also time to wear easy, breezy dresses 24/7. And nothing says "big outdoor party" like a big batch of pasta salad!
I like to use a mix of pasta shapes whenever I make pasta salad. It makes it more fun, and is a great way to use up partial boxes of various pasta that are hanging out in the pantry.
If the pastas have different cooking times, I do a little math and add them to the boiling water accordingly (so if one takes 9 minutes to reach al dente and the others take 8, put the one with the longer cooking time in first, wait 1 minute and add the others for the final 8).
Easy peasy.
Another thing that's awesome about this particular pasta salad is that the creaminess in the vinaigrette comes from Stonyfield Whole Milk Greek Yogurt.
This stuff is insanely creamy and delicious, and a few tablespoons go a long way to elevate this dressing. I always have the 0% fat plain Greek yogurt on hand, but the whole milk variety is becoming a household favorite as well!
This recipe makes a big batch which was perfect for the Memorial Day potluck/BBQ party we went to last week.
Even though it's not quite summer yet, the forecast said it was going to be HOT, so I knew I wanted something lightweight and comfortable to wear both while cooking and hanging out at the party. This Quinn Dress from prAna was totally perfect for the occasion.
I absolutely loved the color I picked out (Electro Blue), and it comes in so many more, both in solids and patterns. It has a really comfortable double strap racerback design and built in shelf bra for extra support. The fabric is incredibly soft and breathable, which is so key on hot summer days.
I can see this dress becoming a staple of my summer wardrobe. I love that it's casual enough to wear while I'm out running errands with my son, but also dressy enough to go out for the evening. I can also feel good about how it's sustainably made and built to last!
And this pasta salad will also be going into my summer repertoire. It's simple yet fancy, and sure to be the hit of the party. Plus, I always feel good when I'm adding Stonyfield yogurt into the mix. Talk about versatility!
📖 Recipe
Antipasto Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 Quarts 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Bring the fun of an antipasto spread to picnic season with this colorful spin on an Italian favorite!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 pound dried pasta (I used a mix of medium shells, cavatappi and racchette)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup sliced pitted olives
- 7 ounces salami, diced
- 8 fresh mozzarella, diced
- ½ cup fire roasted peppers, diced
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
For the Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 tablespoons whole milk plain Greek yogurt (I used Stonyfield)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions for al dente (mine took 8-9 minutes). Drain well and place in a large bowl. Mix ¼ cup of olive oil into the pasta cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn't stick together, while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Make the vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, whisk together all ingredients except oil. Once combined, slowly drizzle in the oil, whisking as you go, until the dressing emulsifies and comes together. Refrigerate until ready to serve. (Makes about 1 cup dressing)
- Add tomatoes, olives, salami, mozzarella and roasted peppers to the pasta. Pour the vinaigrette over top and stir well to combine. Refrigerate for at least an hour. Garnish with Parmesan and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 276
- Sugar: 3.1 g
- Sodium: 220.6 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 25.2 g
- Fiber: 1.4 g
- Protein: 10.6 g
- Cholesterol: 14.4 mg
Want to win your own Quinn Dress from prAna? To enter to win, leave a comment below telling me your favorite summer potluck dish. The contest will close on Monday, June 13, 2016 at 12 noon (Eastern Standard Time). One winner will be chosen via random.org and will be contacted via email to get mailing information. Prize will be shipped by the sponsor. U.S. residents only, and no P.O. boxes. Good luck, everyone!
UPDATE - The winner has been selected via random.org - CONGRATS to Linsley!
DISCOUNT FOR BIG FLAVORS READERS: Get 15% off your order on prAna.com using discount code SCS16ASCO at checkout. Valid through July 7, 2016. Cannot be combined w gift certificates or other offers.
Linsley says
Oh boy, I make a fab potato salad with asparagus, red onions, warm sausage and a little dinosaur bbq smothering sauce! I need this dress, it's gorgeous!
BigFlavorsFromATinyKitchen says
Congrats, Linsley! You've been selected as the winner. I'll be emailing you shortly for mailing info so your prize can be sent. Enjoy!
Steven Lincoln says
Our go-to party dish is the chicken souvlaki salad from Cooking Light: grilled herbed chicken, cucumber, tomato, kalamata olives, red onion, spicy yogurt sauce (we'll have to try it with the Stonyfield whole next time). Perfect in a bowl, in a pita, or on a bed of greens.
Amy Sonnenberg says
I love Ina Garten's Orzo with Roasted Veggies for potluck dishes. Warm, cold, room temp -- it always is great.
Linda Hendrix says
Cute dress!!! I like to make a big fruit salad with watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, grapes, blueberries, kiwi, etc. Yum!
thefoodhunter says
I love bringing salads like this one to potlucks! Perfect for summer gatherings! Love the dress!
Starla says
Such a pretty dress and the pasta looks delicious. I love bringing a delicious potato salad and I top it with chives and bacon! starla.bates(at)yahoo(dot)com
Mallory says
Does this count? Ha! I am definitely trying it this weekend. My favorite side dish? Chrissy Teigen's roasted cauliflower and orzo salad. So easy, so good.
Donna says
I love couscous salad with limes, cucumbers and basil 🙂
linjumimom at aol dot com
Julie Rod. says
I love chicken caesar salads
Katie M says
My favorite summer potluck dish is fruit salad because it is something easy and refreshing!
Lori H says
My favorite dish for potlucks is squash casserole. YUM!
Linda says
my favorite summer potluck dish is a loaded baked potato salad!
Julie says
I love greek feta dips with pita bread 🙂
Ann says
I really enjoy eating chicken and bacon roll ups! I can never get enough of them!
Mallory says
This has become one of my summer go-to’s! So easy and so delicious.
Ashley says
I’m so glad it’s such a hit, Mallory! It’s been way too long since I’ve made a batch - better get on it!