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5.0 from 81 votes

Italian Pasta Salad

This Italian pasta salad is loaded with meat, cheese and vegetables, all tossed together with noodles in a homemade Italian dressing. A quick and easy side dish that's perfect for feeding a crowd!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 361 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Salad
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the salad
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1 cup chopped salami
  • 3/4 cup Mini pepperoni
  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives halved
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
  • 3/4 cup small mozzarella balls halved
  • 1 1/4 cups homemade or store bought Italian dressing dressing recipe follows
  • salt and pepper to taste
For the dressing
  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons finely minced red bell pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced dried onion or 1 teaspoon fresh minced onion
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

For the dressing
    Cup of Yum
  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a jar and shake vigorously to combine. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
For the salad
  1. Cook the rotini in salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cool water.
  2. Place the pasta in a large bowl and add the salami, pepperoni, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, parsley and mozzarella balls. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Salad can be made up to 4 hours in advance.

Notes

  • Any short pasta will work for this salad, other great options include farfalle, fusilli, penne or elbow macaroni.
  • The homemade dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I typically make the dressing in advance to make my prep work easier on the day of my party.
  • Leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3 days.

Nutrition Information

Calories 361kcal (18%) Carbohydrates 46g (15%) Protein 13g (26%) Fat 15g (23%) Cholesterol 14mg (5%) Sodium 816mg (34%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 9g (18%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 361

% Daily Value*

Calories 361kcal 18%
Carbohydrates 46g 15%
Protein 13g 26%
Fat 15g 23%
Cholesterol 14mg 5%
Sodium 816mg 34%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 9g 18%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.