Description
This Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish packed with rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, pepperoni, salami, and creamy mozzarella, all tossed in a homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish, this pasta salad offers a delicious combination of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors that meld beautifully after chilling.
Ingredients
Scale
Italian Dressing
- 1 recipe homemade Italian Dressing
Pasta Salad
- 1 lb. rotini pasta
- 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
- 3.5-4 oz. pepperoni, quartered (about ¾ cup)
- 4 oz. sliced salami, quartered (about ¾ cup)
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella pearls
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Follow the homemade Italian dressing recipe instructions, then refrigerate it until ready to use. Shake well before adding to the salad to ensure flavors are well combined.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, approximately 7 minutes. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour half of the Italian dressing over the warm pasta immediately and toss well to coat evenly. This step allows the pasta to absorb the flavors of the dressing.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, black olives, chopped orange and green bell peppers, finely diced red onion, chopped pepperoncini, quartered pepperoni, quartered salami, and mozzarella pearls. Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined.
- Chill: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. For best results, chill up to 24 hours.
- Finish and Serve: When ready to serve, toss the pasta salad with the remaining Italian dressing. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve chilled for a refreshing and zesty meal.
Notes
- Use rotini or any short pasta that holds dressing well.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoncini for desired spice level.
- Make the dressing ahead of time for better flavor infusion.
- Salami and pepperoni add a delicious savory element but can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
