Classic Italian Pasta Salad: A Vibrant and Flavorful Dish for Any Occasion
Welcome back to the kitchen, dear foodies! Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any festive gathering: a Classic Italian Pasta Salad. This delightful dish is not only bursting with the vibrant flavors of Italy but is also incredibly easy to prepare. So, let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces rotini pasta, cooked and cooled 🍝
- 4 ounces turkey salami, diced 🦃
- 5 ounces small pepperonis 🍕
- ½ cup sliced black olives 🫒
- 1 green bell pepper, diced 🫑
- ½ red onion, diced 🧅
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, quartered 🍅
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped 🌿
- 2 tablespoons basil, chopped 🌱
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese 🧀
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, diced 🧀
- 16 ounces Italian dressing, bottled or homemade 🥗
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the rotini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and allow to cool.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, turkey salami, pepperonis, black olives, green bell pepper, and red onion.
- Add Freshness: Mix in the grape tomatoes, parsley, and basil, adding a fresh and aromatic touch to the salad.
- Cheese, Please: Sprinkle in the shredded parmesan and fresh mozzarella, enriching the dish with creamy and savory notes.
- Dress It Up: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad, ensuring everything is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Mix Well: Toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly mixed and coated with dressing.
- Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour. This chilling time helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad chilled, perfect for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories: 300 Kcal per serving
Servings: 6
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Italian Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 15min
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
16 ounces rotini pasta, cooked and cooled 🍝
4 ounces turkey salami, diced 🦃
5 ounces small pepperonis 🍕
½ cup sliced black olives 🫒
1 green bell pepper, diced 🫑
½ red onion, diced 🧅
1 pint grape tomatoes, quartered 🍅
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped 🌿
2 tablespoons basil, chopped 🌱
½ cup shredded parmesan cheese 🧀
4 ounces fresh mozzarella, diced 🧀
16 ounces Italian dressing, bottled or homemade 🥗
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool. 🍝
2️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced turkey salami, small pepperonis, sliced black olives, diced green bell pepper, and diced red onion. 🥗
3️⃣ Add the quartered grape tomatoes, chopped parsley, and chopped basil to the bowl. 🌿
4️⃣ Sprinkle in the shredded parmesan cheese and diced fresh mozzarella. 🧀
5️⃣ Pour the Italian dressing over the salad ingredients. 🥗
6️⃣ Toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing. 🍽️
7️⃣ Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. ❄️
8️⃣ Serve chilled and enjoy! 😋
- Prep Time: 15min
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 Kcal
This Italian Pasta Salad is a wonderful dish that combines the robust flavors of Italy with the convenience of a make-ahead meal. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or looking for a delicious side dish, this salad is sure to impress. Enjoy the fusion of textures from the crisp vegetables and the creaminess of the cheese, all brought together by the zesty Italian dressing. Bon appétit! 😋