How to Create the Perfect Italian Pasta Salad in 7 Simple Steps
This vibrant Italian Pasta Salad is a flavorful mix of rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, and cured meats, finished with a delightful homemade Italian dressing. It’s ideal for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish any time of the year.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Rotini pasta cooked to al dente
- 2 cups red bell pepper diced
- 2 cups green bell pepper diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 16 oz mozzarella pearls about 2 1/2 cups
- 1.5 cups salami chopped
- 1.5 cups mini pepperoni
- 2 cups black olives sliced
- 1 cup red onion finely diced
- 0.5 cup parsley freshly chopped
- 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 cups Italian salad dressing homemade or bottled
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Season with salt generously. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente (or 30 seconds before).
- Drain the pasta and transfer it onto a tray or parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and let cool.
- While the pasta is cooling, prepare the salad ingredients. Make sure all the vegetables and meats are evenly diced.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, prepared vegetables, meats, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the salad mixture. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add a little extra dressing before serving if desired.
Notes
For added flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or fresh basil leaves on top before serving. This salad is best served cold but can be enjoyed at room temperature.