Name: Best Italian Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 oz rotini pasta; 10 oz salami (chopped); 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls; 1 cup English cucumber (sliced); 2 cups grape tomatoes (halved); ½ cup red onion (chopped); 1 ½ cups bell peppers (diced); 1 ¼ cup olive oil; 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 ½ tbsp Italian seasoning; 2 tsp sugar; 3 tbsp red apple vinegar; 2 tsp garlic (minced); 1 tsp Dijon mustard; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 8 oz black olives (drained and sliced); ½ cup parmesan cheese (shredded); ½ cup parsley (chopped); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Description

If you’re looking for a dish that brings vibrant flavors and a refreshing twist to your table, this Best Italian Pasta Salad is a must-try! Perfect for family gatherings, summer picnics, and potlucks, this recipe features rotini pasta combined with savory salami, fresh vegetables, creamy mozzarella pearls, and a zesty homemade dressing. The balance of textures and tastes will leave everyone craving more. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, taking only 22 minutes from start to finish. With options for customization, this salad can easily be tailored to suit your family’s preferences. Take your gatherings to the next level with this delightful crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale

16 oz rotini pasta
10 oz salami (chopped)
8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
1 cup English cucumber (sliced)
2 cups grape tomatoes (halved)
½ cup red onion (chopped)
1 ½ cups bell peppers (diced)
1 ¼ cup olive oil
3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 ½ tbsp Italian seasoning
2 tsp sugar
3 tbsp red apple vinegar
2 tsp garlic (minced)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
8 oz black olives (drained and sliced)
½ cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
½ cup parsley (chopped)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool under cold water.
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, sugar, red apple vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with salami, cucumber, grape tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, mozzarella pearls, parmesan cheese, and parsley.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss until well combined.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving for best flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 380
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 19g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor. Chill the salad before serving to allow flavors to meld. Feel free to customize by adding proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas.