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Calabrian Chili Pasta Salad Recipe

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4 from 15 reviews

This Calabrian Chili Pasta Salad is a flavorful and spicy cold pasta dish featuring farfalle pasta tossed with a creamy, zesty dressing made from mayonnaise, crushed Calabrian chili peppers, and pepperoncini liquid. Combined with cubed fontina cheese, sliced pepperoncini peppers, red onion, fresh basil, and parsley, this salad offers a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and fresh herbaceous notes, making it ideal for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a vibrant side dish.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Pasta and Cheese

  • 12 ounces farfalle (bowtie) pasta
  • 8 ounces fontina cheese, cubed

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/3 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons crushed Calabrian chili peppers
  • 1 tablespoon liquid from pepperoncini jar
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl and refrigerate while preparing the dressing.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine the mayonnaise, crushed Calabrian chili peppers, liquid from the pepperoncini jar, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the dressing ingredients are well incorporated and smooth.
  3. Toss the Salad: Add the dressing to the chilled pasta in the bowl. Then, add the cubed fontina cheese, sliced pepperoncini peppers, thinly sliced red onion, fresh basil, and chopped parsley. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing and the ingredients are well distributed.
  4. Chill and Serve: Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate it for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled as a refreshing and spicy side dish or a light main course.

Notes

  • Use farfalle pasta for its ability to hold the dressing well; any medium-sized pasta will also work.
  • Adjust the amount of crushed Calabrian chili peppers according to your heat preference.
  • Refrigerate the pasta salad for a minimum of one hour, but overnight chilling will enhance the flavors even more.
  • For added texture, consider tossing in some toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/calabrian-chili-pasta-salad-recipe/