Description
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that will delight your guests at any gathering. This refreshing salad features a perfect blend of rotini pasta, savory meats, crisp vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing that ties it all together beautifully. Ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or weeknight dinners, this dish can be prepared in advance, allowing you to enjoy quality time with friends and family without the stress of last-minute cooking. The colorful presentation and bold flavors make it not just a side dish but a centerpiece that everyone will rave about!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb. rotini pasta
- 3.5 oz. pepperoni, quartered
- 4 oz. salami, quartered
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black olives, halved
- 1 orange bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- 2 tbsp pepperoncini, chopped
- 8 oz. mozzarella pearls
- Homemade Italian dressing (recipe linked)
Instructions
- Prepare the homemade Italian dressing and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Pour half of the dressing over warm pasta and toss gently. Add remaining ingredients: meats, vegetables, and mozzarella pearls; mix well.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving; up to 24 hours is optimal.
- Toss with remaining dressing before serving; garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (220g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg