Italian Pasta Salad

The salad

Ingredients

8 oz fusilli pasta

1 cup sweet onion, chopped

1 cup mini cucumbers, chopped (approx. 3 mini cucumbers)

1-pint cherry tomatoes, quartered

½ cup pepperoncini, sliced

2 cups smoked provolone cut into ½” chunks

Directions

Cook pasta according to directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

In a large bowl combine all ingredients. Coat with your favorite Italian dressing, or use the dressing below.

Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Quick Italian Dressing

Ingredients

½ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
¼ cup tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh basil, washed, dried, and minced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, washed, dried, and minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
A pinch of crushed red chili flakes
Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until well combined. Pour over salad.