Description
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and delightful dish that brings together fresh ingredients and bold flavors, making it the perfect addition to any gathering. This easy-to-make salad features tangy homemade Italian dressing and a colorful mix of rotini pasta, savory meats, and crisp vegetables. Ideal for summer barbecues, potlucks, or simply as a side for family dinners, this pasta salad can be prepared in advance, ensuring a stress-free dining experience. With its eye-catching presentation and delicious taste, it’s sure to impress your guests and become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb. rotini pasta
- 3.5–4 oz. pepperoni (quartered)
- 4 oz. sliced salami (quartered)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup black olives (halved)
- 1 orange bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
- ½ cup finely diced red onion
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella pearls
- Homemade Italian dressing
Instructions
- Make the homemade Italian dressing and refrigerate until ready to use.
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rotini pasta until al dente. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Pour half of the dressing over the warm pasta and toss gently.
- Add in remaining ingredients: pepperoni, salami, cherry tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, red onion, and mozzarella pearls. Toss until well mixed.
- Chill covered in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg