Description
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that transforms ordinary gatherings into extraordinary events. With its colorful medley of fresh vegetables, savory meats, and creamy mozzarella, this pasta salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Tossed in a tangy homemade Italian dressing, it bursts with flavor in every bite. Not only is it easy to prepare ahead of time, but it also makes for an impressive side at picnics, barbecues, or potlucks. Whether served as a light main course or paired with grilled meats, this delightful salad will quickly become your go-to recipe for summer entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 3.5–4 oz pepperoni, quartered
- 4 oz sliced salami, quartered
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
- 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
- 2 tablespoons chopped pepperoncini
- Homemade Italian dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the homemade Italian dressing and refrigerate until ready.
- Cook the rotini pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Add half the dressing to the warm pasta and toss gently.
- Mix in the pepperoni, salami, cherry tomatoes, black olives, bell peppers, red onion, pepperoncini, and mozzarella. Toss until combined.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving; store any remaining dressing separately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg