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Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

Italian Dressing Pasta Salad: Vibrant Flavors to Savor

Experience the vibrant flavors of Italian Dressing Pasta Salad, a customizable and make-ahead dish perfect for gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 12 oz Rotini Substitution: Any pasta shape works, but rotini is ideal for capturing flavor.
  • 4 oz Genoa Salami Substitution: Turkey pepperoni or ham can be used.
  • 4 oz Pepperoni Substitution: Freshly sliced pepperoni is preferred for freshness.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Substitution: Grape tomatoes or any firm tomato variety.
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers Substitution: Any color bell pepper; zucchini can also be added for crunch.
  • 0.5 cup Red Onion Substitution: Green onions for a milder flavor.
  • 0.5 cup Black Olives Substitution: Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean twist.
  • 0.5 cup Pepperoncini Substitution: Mild banana peppers if unavailable.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Pearls Substitution: Diced fresh mozzarella.
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese Substitution: Grana Padano for a similar taste.
For the Dressing
  • 0.5 cup Olive Oil Use high-quality extra virgin for best flavor.
  • 0.25 cup Red Wine Vinegar Brings fruity tanginess to the dressing.
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice Adds brightness without overwhelming lemon flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Sugar Balances the acidity in the dressing.
  • 1 tbsp Dried Herbs (Parsley, Basil, Oregano) Enhance dressing flavor profile; important for Mediterranean taste.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Plastic wrap
  • Tongs

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
  2. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl, ensuring it's well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
  3. Drizzle half of your homemade Italian dressing over the warm pasta and gently toss.
  4. Add salami, pepperoni, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, and pepperoncini to the pasta bowl. Mix well to combine.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  6. Before serving, stir in the remaining dressing, add mozzarella pearls, and toss gently. Garnish with grated Parmesan and parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Serve chilled or at room temperature. This salad can be made a day in advance, just hold off on adding the mozzarella until serving to keep it fresh.

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