Description
This zesty Italian Pasta Salad is packed with rotini pasta, savory meats, crisp vegetables, mozzarella pearls, and a bold homemade Italian dressing that keeps every bite bright, fresh, and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 recipe homemade Italian Dressing
- 1 lb. rotini pasta
- 3.5–4 oz. pepperoni, quartered
- 4 oz. sliced salami, quartered
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black olives, drained and halved
- 1 orange bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped pepperoncini
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella pearls
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the homemade Italian Dressing according to the recipe directions and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Cook the rotini pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and transfer to a large serving bowl.
3. Pour half of the Italian Dressing over the warm pasta and toss until evenly coated.
4. Add the pepperoni, salami, cherry tomatoes, black olives, orange bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, pepperoncini, and mozzarella pearls. Toss to combine.
5. Cover and chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for best flavor.
6. Before serving, toss with the remaining dressing and garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
For the best flavor, make the salad ahead of time and chill before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
The pasta may absorb dressing over time, so add extra dressing before serving leftovers if desired.
Use freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for the freshest finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 38mg