Description
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the best of summer in every bite. With its colorful mix of rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, and savory meats like salami and pepperoni, this pasta salad is a hit at any gathering. Complemented by a tangy homemade Italian dressing, it’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a meal prep option for busy weekdays. You can prepare it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an easy and stress-free addition to your entertaining repertoire. Whether served as a side or a main dish, this salad guarantees satisfaction for both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb. rotini pasta
- 4 oz. sliced salami
- 3.5–4 oz. pepperoni
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup black olives
- 1 orange bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- ½ cup finely diced red onion
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella pearls
- Homemade Italian dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the homemade Italian dressing and refrigerate.
- Cook rotini pasta in salted water until al dente; drain and place in a large bowl.
- Add half of the dressing to the warm pasta and toss gently.
- Mix in salami, pepperoni, tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, red onion, and mozzarella; toss to coat evenly.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving; toss with remaining dressing and garnish with parsley and Parmesan before enjoying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg