Quick Italian Pasta Salad (with 1 Secret Ingredient)
A zesty Italian pasta salad made with fresh vegetables, cheese, salami, and a tangy dressing — made extra flavorful with the secret ingredient: pepperoncini brine for a punch of acidity and spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling + Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella balls (or cubed mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup salami, diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- For the dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons pepperoncini brine (secret ingredient!)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, bell pepper, olives, pepperoncini, mozzarella, salami, Parmesan, and parsley.
- In a small jar, whisk olive oil, vinegar, pepperoncini brine, mustard, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss to combine.
- Chill at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- The pepperoncini brine is the secret ingredient — it gives a tangy kick without overpowering.
- Make it vegetarian by skipping the salami.
- Tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
