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Italian Pasta Salad

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This Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful side dish packed with rotini pasta, salami, cheese, fresh vegetables, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing. It’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a quick lunch.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 1/2 cups cubed salami
  • 1 1/2 cups cubed mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup sliced black olives, drained
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, salami, mozzarella, black olives, pepperoncini, red onion, and parsley.
  3. Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Make ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
  • Use any short pasta shape you like such as fusilli or penne.
  • You can substitute the salami with pepperoni or omit it for a vegetarian version.
  • Adjust the dressing to taste and add more just before serving if needed.

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