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Looking for a quick and delicious dish that brings a burst of Italian flavor to your table?
This Italian Pasta Salad is a perfect choice!
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It’s a colorful blend of tender tri-color rotini, savory salami, crisp bell peppers, fresh mozzarella, and a tangy Italian dressing that comes together in just minutes.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, potluck, or simply preparing a weeknight dinner, this pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make ahead and enjoy anytime.
Perfect for beginners, it’s a go-to recipe that delivers great taste with minimal effort!
Ingredients
- 1 (12-ounce) package tri-color rotini pasta
- ¾ pound Italian salami, finely diced
- ½ green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ red onion, chopped
- 1 (6-ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
- 8 ounces small fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
- 1 cup Italian-style salad dressing
- 3 (.7-ounce) packets dry Italian-style salad dressing mix, or to taste
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Start by boiling a large pot of water, adding a pinch of salt to season the water.
- Add the rotini pasta and cook it for about 8 minutes or until it’s tender but still has a slight bite (al dente).
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly.
- Set it aside.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced salami, sliced bell peppers, chopped red onion, mozzarella balls, and black olives.
Step 3: Add the Dressing
- Pour the Italian salad dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together until well-coated.
Step 4: Season and Serve
- Sprinkle in the dry Italian salad dressing mix, stirring to incorporate.
- Top with shredded Parmesan cheese just before serving. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Italian pasta salad!
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta salad can be made a day ahead. In fact, it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving, and add the Parmesan cheese at the last minute for the best texture.
What can I use instead of salami?
If you prefer a different protein or want a vegetarian option, you can substitute the salami with diced ham, grilled chicken, or even chickpeas for a meat-free alternative.
Quick & Easy Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 (12 ounce) package tri-color rotini pasta
- ¾ pound italian salami finely diced
- ½ green bell pepper finely sliced
- ½ red bell pepper finely sliced
- ½ red onion chopped
- 1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives drained
- 8 ounces small fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
- 1 cup italian-style salad dressing
- 3 (7 ounce) packets dry Italian-style salad dressing mix, or to taste
- ½ cup parmesan cheese shredded
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Start by boiling a large pot of water, adding a pinch of salt to season the water. Add the rotini pasta and cook it for about 8 minutes or until it's tender but still has a slight bite (al dente).Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly.Set it aside.
Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced salami, sliced bell peppers, chopped red onion, mozzarella balls, and black olives.
Add the Dressing
- Pour the Italian salad dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together until well-coated.
Season and Serve
- Sprinkle in the dry Italian salad dressing mix, stirring to incorporate.Top with shredded Parmesan cheese just before serving.Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Italian pasta salad!
Love this quick pasta recipe Sandra gonna try it tonight for my kiddos hope its as easy as it sounds!
I tried this with whole wheat pasta and it turned out great. Let us know how it goes!
can i make this with ramen noodles instead got lotsa those in my pantry lol
Instead of salami, try adding chickpeas for a protein boost. Much healthier and animal-friendly.
Ah, yet another ‘Italian’ pasta salad that neglects the nuanced flavors of genuine Italian cuisine. Predictable.
This pasta salad is legit Instagram-worthy. Made it for a brunch, and it was a hit!
Can I prep this the night before?
i always toss in some jalapenos to spice things up works great with this pasta salad
jalapenos are a must for me too love that kick it adds
I might try adding bell peppers instead. Not a big fan of spicy food.