Quick & Easy Italian Pasta Salad
This easy Italian pasta salad combines tri-color rotini, salami, fresh vegetables, mozzarella, and a zesty dressing for a flavorful, make-ahead dish perfect for any occasion.
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!