Description
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful cold pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, savory meats, crisp veggies, and a tangy Italian dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. rotini pasta, cooked al dente and rinsed under cold water
- 3.5–4 oz. pepperoni, quartered (about 3/4 cup)
- 4 oz. sliced salami, quartered (about 3/4 cup)
- 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
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Begin by cooking the rotini pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions, until it reaches al dente texture. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the remaining ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the olives in half, chop the bell peppers and red onion, and quarter the pepperoni and salami. Drain and pat dry the mozzarella pearls.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, sugar, dried parsley, basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, pepperoni, salami, tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, red onion, pepperoncini, and mozzarella pearls. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure even coating.
Notes
Leftover Zesty Italian Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making it even more delicious over time. However, if the salad contains highly perishable ingredients like fresh tomatoes or cucumbers, it’s best to consume it within the first 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Cold
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 400
- Calories: 1
- Sugar: 500
- Sodium: 20
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 30
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 15
- Protein: undefined
- Cholesterol: 45