Description
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a delightful fusion of fresh flavors and textures, perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or barbecues. This vibrant dish features a homemade Italian dressing that infuses the rotini pasta with zesty goodness, complemented by a medley of colorful vegetables and savory meats like pepperoni and salami. The addition of creamy mozzarella pearls and tangy pepperoncini elevates the salad to gourmet status. Best of all, it can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy hassle-free entertaining while impressing your guests with its beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 3.5–4 oz pepperoni (quartered)
- 4 oz sliced salami (quartered)
- 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
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
- Homemade Italian dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the homemade Italian dressing and refrigerate.
- Boil salted water in a pot, cook the rotini pasta until al dente, then drain.
- In a large bowl, combine warm pasta with half of the dressing; toss gently.
- Add remaining ingredients: pepperoni, salami, cherry tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, onion, pepperoncini, and mozzarella; mix well.
- Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Just before serving, toss with remaining dressing and garnish with parsley and Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg