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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 eye-catching skewers blend gemelli pasta, vibrant vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and savory salami for a delicious twist on classic pasta salad. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family events, they offer a fun, interactive way to enjoy fresh Italian flavors. Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, these skewers are a tasty, nutritious addition that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz. gemelli pasta (or any short pasta of your choice)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved or whole

1 red bell pepper, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 cucumber, diced

1 cup black olives, pitted and sliced

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

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, whole

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

Skewers (wooden or metal, soaked in water if using wooden)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta:

    In a large pot, fill with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add the gemelli pasta and cook according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cool water to halt the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool completely.

      Prepare the Dressing:

        In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until the dressing is completely combined, then set it aside to allow the flavors to blend.

          Assemble the Ingredients:

            In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, diced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, bite-sized salami pieces, and fresh basil leaves. Toss gently to evenly distribute the ingredients.

              Mix in the Dressing:

                Drizzle the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together with a spatula until everything is well-coated with the dressing, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite.

                  Build the Skewers:

                    Take a skewer and begin to thread the ingredients in an alternating pattern: start with a cherry tomato, followed by a mozzarella ball, a salami piece, a cucumber bite, a piece of bell pepper, and several leaves of fresh basil. Repeat this pattern until the skewer is filled, leaving a little space at each end for easy handling.

                      Finish with Parmesan:

                        After all the skewers are assembled, generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each skewer, adding a delightful touch of flavor.

                          Chill and Serve:

                            Arrange the skewers on a serving platter and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve them chilled as a vibrant appetizer or a light meal that is perfect for sharing.

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

                                - Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching display, serve the skewers upright in a glass or jar, or lay them on a bed of fresh greens to enhance their colorful appeal.