Creamy Italian Pasta Salad

Ingredients

For the Creamy Italian Dressing:

• 1 cup mayo
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 1½ lemons)
• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar

For the Pasta Salad:

• 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta, cooked according to package directions
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 shallot, finely diced
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1 cup diced mozzarella
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced basil leaves
• kosher salt, to taste

Instructions

Make the Creamy Italian Dressing: In a blender or using an immersion blender in a wide-mouth jar, combine the mayo, mustard, garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and vinegar. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Assemble the Pasta Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, bell peppers, shallots, olives, mozzarella, parsley, and basil. Pour the Creamy Italian Dressing over the pasta and toss until the pasta is very well coated and combined. Season to taste with salt. Cover and refrigerate until just chilled.

Note: Other optional veggies include zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms. Optional proteins include ham, salami, or chicken.

Original recipe found at www.thedefineddish.com