Italian Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Refrigerate
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 25 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
664 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course, Salad
Italian Pasta Salad
Description
Italian Pasta Salad uses rotini pasta as a base, cooked al dente and cooled before dressing. The main components include fresh mozzarella cheese pearls, sliced salami (or alternatives like pepperoni), black olives, diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped parsley. These ingredients provide a mix of textures and flavors from creamy cheese, briny olives, to fresh vegetables.
The accompanying Italian salad dressing is made by whisking olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and dried herbs such as parsley, basil, oregano, and onion, sweetened slightly with sugar and seasoned with garlic salt and black pepper. Half of the dressing is mixed with the pasta initially, then combined with the remaining ingredients and dressing just before chilling. Resting in the refrigerator allows flavors to meld and enhances the taste experience.
This salad pairs well as a side for summertime meals, picnics, or potlucks. It can be adapted by adding cooked ham or chicken for more protein or extra vegetables for a vegetarian version, and pasta shape swaps or gluten-free noodles are possible. Storage in the refrigerator maintains freshness for several days, making it suitable for make-ahead preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta , uncooked
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese pearls (or chopped into pieces if you can't find pearls, fresh
- 8 ounces salami , pepperoni, or beef summer sausage
- 6 ounces black olives , sliced
- 1/2 red onion , diced
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomato halved
- 2 Tablespoons parsley chopped, fresh chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- pepperoncinis , sliced (optional)
For the Italian Salad Dressing (or substitute about 1 1/2 cups bottled zesty italian dressing):
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
- 2 teaspoons onion dried minced
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice fresh
- 1 teaspoon basil dried
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Make the salad dressing by combining all ingredients. Store the dressing in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Shake before using.
For the Pasta Salad:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain water and rinse pasta with cold water. Allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes.
- Add pasta to a large bowl and pour half of the salad dressing over it. Toss to combine. Add remaining ingredients and dressing and toss everything to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or longer, before serving. Store in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
Notes
- This salad can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 4-5 days, allowing flavors to develop.
- For added protein, mix in cooked chopped ham or chicken as desired.
- Include extra vegetables like diced cucumber, bell pepper, or sautéed zucchini to increase vegetable content.
- Use gluten-free pasta alternatives if needed, such as Barilla rotini gluten-free pasta, without altering the recipe's flavor profile.
- Swap pasta shapes if preferred, using penne, farfalle, or other bite-sized pasta varieties.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 664 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 664kcal | 33% |
| Carbohydrates | 49g | 16% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 42g | 65% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 24g | 120% |
| Cholesterol | 50mg | 17% |
| Sodium | 1559mg | 65% |
| Potassium | 384mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 557IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 243mg | 24% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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