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Italian Pasta Salad Best Easy Fresh Recipe

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Italian Pasta Salad is a fresh, colorful, and flavorful side dish made with tender pasta, crisp vegetables, mozzarella cheese, savory meats, and zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, lunches, potlucks, family dinners, and meal prep.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup sliced black olives
  • 1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella
  • 3/4 cup chopped salami or pepperoni
  • 1 cup Italian dressing
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped basil or parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions.
  3. Drain pasta and rinse under cold water.
  4. Cool pasta completely.
  5. Add pasta to a large bowl.
  6. Add tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, onion, olives, mozzarella, and salami.
  7. Pour dressing over salad.
  8. Add Parmesan cheese and herbs.
  9. Toss until evenly coated.
  10. Season with salt and pepper.
  11. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
  12. Toss again before serving.

Notes

  • Rotini is ideal because it holds dressing well.
  • Add extra dressing before serving leftovers.
  • Do not overcook pasta.
  • Best after chilling for 30 minutes or longer.
  • Store refrigerated up to 4 days.
  • Skip meat for vegetarian version.
  • Add pepperoncini for extra tang.
  • Great for meal prep lunches.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipeshots.com/italian-pasta-salad/