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To create a truly memorable dish, it’s essential to understand the key components that make up Colorful Italian Pasta Salad Skewers. Each ingredient contributes not only to the overall flavor and texture but also to the visual appeal that makes this dish so inviting.

Italian Pasta Salad Skewers

Brighten up your summer gatherings with Colorful Italian Pasta Salad Skewers! These vibrant skewers make for a fun twist on classic pasta salad, packed with fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers, creamy mozzarella, savory salami, and fragrant basil. Drizzled with a light vinaigrette, they are not just easy to prepare but also perfect for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings. Impress your guests with this visually appealing and delicious dish that's full of delightful flavors and textures!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz. gemelli pasta (or any short pasta)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved or whole

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cucumber, diced

1 cup black olives, pitted and sliced

1/2 cup salami, sliced into bite-sized pieces

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta:

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gemelli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

      Prepare the Dressing:

        In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.

          Assemble the Ingredients:

            In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, diced bell pepper, diced cucumber, black olives, salami, and fresh basil leaves.

              Mix in the Dressing:

                Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.

                  Build the Skewers:

                    Take a skewer and begin adding ingredients: start with a cherry tomato, then a mozzarella ball, followed by a piece of salami, a cucumber piece, a bell pepper piece, and a few leaves of basil. Repeat the pattern until the skewer is filled, leaving some space at each end for handling.

                      Finish with Parmesan:

                        Once all skewers are assembled, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for added flavor.

                          Chill and Serve:

                            Place the skewers on a platter and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold as a delightful appetizer or a light meal.

                              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 8 servings