Description

This Italian Pasta Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a make-ahead lunch. Combining al dente rotini pasta with crisp vegetables, mozzarella, and a tangy Italian dressing, it offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Optional salami adds a savory touch, but it can easily be made vegetarian. Chilled to blend the flavors, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s both vibrant and refreshing.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 ounces rotini pasta, cooked and cooled

Vegetables

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Dairy & Meat

3/4 cup mozzarella pearls or cubes
1/2 cup salami slices, chopped (optional)

Dressing and Garnish

1/2 cup Italian dressing
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, sliced black olives, thinly sliced red onion, mozzarella pearls or cubes, and chopped salami if using.
Add Dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning for balance.
Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

Make it vegetarian by omitting the salami.
For extra zest, add a splash of red wine vinegar or a few pepperoncini slices.
This salad is great for picnics, potlucks, or as a make-ahead lunch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook (after boiling pasta)
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 11g
Cholesterol: 20mg