Crispy prosciutto, crunchy veggies, and the perfect Italian dressing blend come together in this vibrant and festive pasta salad. Made with heart-shaped pasta for a Valentine's Day touch, but any short pasta works! This dish is perfect for meal prep as it stays fresh and balanced, and might even taste better as it sits in the fridge.
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Cook pasta in well-salted water until just al dente. Drain and let cool.
Crisp up prosciutto in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and crackly. Transfer to paper towel; crumble once cooled.
Whisk all dressing ingredients until emulsified.
Toss pasta in a large bowl. Add tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, pepperoncini, mozzarella, and prosciutto.
Finish with your dressing, grated Parm, and black pepper.=
Chill 20–30 minutes before serving. Taste and adjust with olive oil or salt if needed.
For a festive touch, use heart-shaped pasta, but any short pasta will work.
This salad is great for meal prep as it stays fresh and balanced, and the flavors develop even more as it sits in the fridge.
Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less honey to suit your taste.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or cavatappi works well for this recipe.
How long can I store this pasta salad?
This pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the prosciutto to make this salad vegetarian.
What can I substitute for pepperoncini?
You can use banana peppers or pickled jalapeños as a substitute for pepperoncini.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before using.
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