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!