Description
This Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is your new go-to for easy entertaining or a satisfying meal. Packed with classic Italian flavors and a bright, zesty dressing, it’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. We believe cooking should be fun, simple, and stress-free, and this recipe is designed for beginners to follow confidently. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this crowd-pleasing dish that comes together quickly and tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- ¾ cup pepperoni, quartered
- ¾ cup sliced salami, quartered
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black olives, drained and 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
- Parmesan and parsley (for garnish)
- For the Dressing:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a bowl or shake them up in a jar. Refrigerate until needed.
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl.
- Toss half of the dressing with the warm pasta to coat.
- Add the pepperoni, salami, cherry tomatoes, black olives, bell peppers, red onion, pepperoncini, and mozzarella pearls. Mix well.
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, toss again with the remaining dressing and garnish with Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes.
- The salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook Dressing, Cooked Pasta
- Cuisine: Italian