Zesty Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
This zesty Italian pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser, featuring the best homemade Italian dressing and flavorful ingredients like pepperoni, salami, mozzarella, and more. Perfect for gatherings and easy entertaining!
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta Salad:
- 1 lb. rotini pasta
- 3.5–4 oz. pepperoni, quartered (about ¾ cup)
- 4 oz. sliced salami, quartered (about ¾ cup)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black olives, drained and halved
- 1 orange bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- ½ cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped pepperoncini
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella pearls
- Parmesan and parsley for garnish
Italian Dressing:
- 1 recipe homemade Italian Dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the Italian Dressing: Follow the recipe instructions to make the homemade Italian dressing. Refrigerate until ready to use and shake well before using.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and place in a large serving bowl.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour half of the prepared dressing over the warm pasta and toss to coat. Add the remaining pasta salad ingredients and mix well.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving, or up to 24 hours. Before serving, toss with the remaining dressing and garnish with parsley and Parmesan.
Notes
- Storage: Cover leftover pasta salad with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for 4-5 days. Add more dressing if needed to refresh leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Find it online: https://bitezly.com/zesty-italian-pasta-salad-recipe/
