Description
Quick Italian Pasta Salad (with 1 Secret Ingredient) is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This delightful salad combines al dente rotini pasta with a medley of colorful vegetables, savory meats, and a homemade dressing that elevates each bite. Ideal for summer barbecues, potlucks, or casual dinners, this pasta salad comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights. With its appealing presentation and fresh taste, it’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb rotini noodles
- 4 oz pepperoni, quartered
- 4 oz salami, quartered
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black olives, halved
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 8 oz mozzarella pearls
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot; add salt and cook rotini noodles until al dente. Drain and cool.
- Chop the vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, dice bell peppers, and finely chop red onion.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with meats, olives, vegetables, and mozzarella.
- Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, herbs, spices, salt, pepper, and sugar in a separate bowl.
- Pour dressing over the pasta mixture; toss until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 30mg