Description
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings a fresh twist to any gathering. Perfect for summer picnics or cozy holiday dinners, this crowd-pleaser combines rotini pasta with zippy pepperoncini, savory salami, and creamy mozzarella pearls, all coated in a homemade Italian dressing. Its easy preparation makes it an excellent make-ahead option, saving you time while hosting. With its delightful blend of textures and tastes, this salad is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
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 (click for the recipe)
Instructions
- Prepare the Italian dressing according to the recipe and refrigerate.
- Cook rotini pasta in salted water until al dente; drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour half of the dressing over warm pasta and toss to combine.
- Add all remaining ingredients including meats, vegetables, and mozzarella pearls; mix well.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Toss with remaining dressing; garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg