Best Italian Pasta Salad {With Quick Homemade Italian Dressing}

whole wheat or regular penne pasta, cooked until al dente (see note)

-ounce can of large olives, drained and sliced in half

chopped cucumber

cups sliced or chopped cherry tomatoes

sliced or chopped salami or pepperoni, about 1 cup

fresh mozzarella balls, cut in half (see note for options)

chopped red or green onions

chopped fresh parsley or basil

olive oil

red wine or white balsamic vinegar

freshly grated Parmesan or Parm-reggiano cheese

honey or sugar

garlic clove, minced

coarse, kosher salt

dried oregano

dried basil

dried parsley

black pepper

red pepper flakes