Italian Pasta Salad
A colorful and zesty Italian pasta salad made with tender pasta, fresh vegetables, savory meats, cheese, and a tangy Italian dressing. Perfect for summer meals, potlucks, and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced or diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives or Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella balls or cubes
- 1 cup salami or pepperoni, sliced or chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, onion, bell peppers, olives, mozzarella, and salami or pepperoni.
- Add Italian dressing and toss until evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and garnish with fresh herbs.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use tortellini for a richer variation.
- Make vegetarian by omitting meat and adding artichoke hearts or chickpeas.
- Swap cheeses for variety: provolone, feta, or cheddar.
- Best served cold or at room temperature, not reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/italian-pasta-salad/
