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As summer approaches, the allure of outdoor gatherings and picnics becomes irresistible. One of the quintessential dishes that grace these occasions is pasta salad. Loved for its versatility and vibrant flavors, pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that can easily cater to diverse tastes. However, if you're looking to elevate the traditional pasta salad experience, allow us to introduce you to Italian Pasta Salad Skewers — a delightful and portable twist on a summer classic.

Italian Pasta Salad Skewers

Discover a fun twist on the classic pasta salad with Italian Pasta Salad Skewers! Perfect for summer gatherings, these colorful skewers feature corkscrew pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and savory meats, all drizzled with zesty Italian dressing. They're not just visually appealing but also easy to serve and eat, making them ideal for barbecues, potlucks, and picnics. Explore various ingredient combinations to cater to all tastes and enjoy a delicious, nutritious dish that everyone will love.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz corkscrew pasta (cavatappi or fusilli)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)

1 cup sliced pepperoni or salami, cut into quarters

1 cup diced cucumber

½ cup black olives, pitted and halved

¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

¼ cup fresh basil leaves

½ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Salt and pepper to taste

Skewers (wooden or reusable metal)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rapid boil. Add the corkscrew pasta and cook according to package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside in a large bowl.

    Prepare Ingredients: While the pasta cools, thoroughly wash the cherry tomatoes and slice them in half. Cut the pepperoni or salami into quarters, dice the cucumber, and halve the black olives. Also, finely chop the red onion. Once prepared, set all ingredients aside in separate bowls.

      Mix Dressing: In the bowl with the cooled pasta, add the halved cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, quartered pepperoni or salami, diced cucumber, halved olives, and chopped red onion. Drizzle the Italian dressing over the combined ingredients and carefully toss everything together until well-coated. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

        Assemble Skewers: Take a skewer and start layering the salad ingredients. Begin with a cherry tomato at the bottom, followed by a mozzarella ball, a piece of salami, a cucumber slice, an olive, and finish with a fresh basil leaf. Continue repeating the layers until the skewer is filled, making sure to leave some space at the bottom for easier handling.

          Serve: Once all the skewers are assembled, arrange them on a large serving platter. Optionally, drizzle a little extra Italian dressing over the skewers for added flavor and visual appeal. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a pop of color.

            Chill (Optional): For an enhanced blend of flavors, cover the skewers with plastic wrap and let them chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the ingredients to marry.

              Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 8

                - Presentation Tips: Consider serving the skewers on a wooden cutting board with a small bowl of extra Italian dressing for dipping on the side. Arrange additional basil leaves around the platter for a fresh and inviting presentation.