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Quick Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Quick Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 23 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Quick Italian Pasta Salad featuring rotini noodles tossed with pepperoni, salami, fresh vegetables, mozzarella pearls, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Ideal for easy weeknight dinners, potlucks, or picnic menus, this salad balances savory meats with crisp vegetables and tangy herbs for a refreshing and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 lb rotini noodles
  • 3.5 to 4 oz pepperoni (about 3/4 cup, quartered)
  • 4 oz salami slices (about 3/4 cup, cut into quarters)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 cup black olives (halved and drained)
  • 1 orange bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 green bell pepper (diced)
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
  • 2 tbsp chopped pepperoncini
  • 8 oz mozzarella pearls

Dressing Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup native olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons organic lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup finely freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp paprika powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Garnish

  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Minced parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, dried parsley, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, oregano, paprika, pepper, and sugar in a jar. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds until well mixed. Refrigerate until ready to use and shake again before dressing the salad.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly to avoid sogginess, then transfer noodles to a large serving bowl while still warm. Toss gently to prevent sticking.
  3. Dress the Pasta: Pour half of the prepared Italian dressing over the warm noodles. Toss well to ensure the pasta absorbs the dressing’s flavor, establishing a tasty base for the salad.
  4. Add Salad Ingredients: Add pepperoni, salami, cherry tomatoes, black olives, orange and green bell peppers, red onion, pepperoncini, and mozzarella pearls to the dressed pasta. Toss gently but thoroughly, folding in the mozzarella last to maintain its shape.
  5. Chill to Develop Flavors: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld. Keep the remaining dressing separate in the fridge for later use.
  6. Serve: Before serving, toss the chilled pasta salad with the remaining dressing. Garnish generously with grated Parmesan cheese and minced parsley for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

  • For best flavor, chill the salad for several hours before serving to allow the ingredients to meld.
  • Use quality native or extra virgin olive oil for the dressing to enhance taste.
  • You can substitute the pepperoni and salami with other cured meats or omit for a vegetarian option.
  • Mozzarella pearls add a creamy texture but can be replaced with cubed fresh mozzarella if preferred.
  • If you prefer a spicier salad, increase the amount of chopped pepperoncini or add red pepper flakes.
  • Store leftover salad and dressing separately to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian pasta salad, quick pasta salad, rotini salad, pepperoni pasta salad, summer salad, easy picnic recipe, Italian dressing, Mediterranean salad

Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/quick-italian-pasta-salad-recipe/