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–+ servings
Quick Italian Pasta Salad

Delicious Quick Italian Pasta Salad with a Hidden Twist

This Quick Italian Pasta Salad is vibrant, customizable, and perfect for gatherings or meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Rotini Noodles Feel free to swap for penne, fusilli, or bowtie pasta.
  • 4 oz Pepperoni Turkey pepperoni can be used.
  • 4 oz Salami Slices Consider prosciutto or Italian sausage.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved, using heirloom tomatoes if available.
  • 1 cup Black Olives Kalamata olives can be a lovely alternative.
  • 1 whole Orange Bell Pepper Diced, red or yellow works too.
  • 1 whole Green Bell Pepper Diced, use if desired.
  • 1/2 medium Red Onion Soak in water to mellow flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoncini Jalapeños can be a substitute.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Pearls Can use cubes of fresh mozzarella.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese For topping.
  • 2 tbsp Minced Parsley For garnish.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Native Olive Oil Extra virgin olive oil is great.
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Organic Lemon Juice
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan for Dressing
  • 1 tsp Dried Parsley
  • 1 tsp Dried Basil
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Pepper
  • 1 tsp Oregano
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 ts Sugar

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • medium-sized jar
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the dressing by mixing all dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
  2. Cook the rotini noodles in boiling salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and cool.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm noodles with half the dressing and toss.
  4. Add pepperoni, salami, tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, red onion, pepperoncini, and mozzarella to the pasta. Toss gently.
  5. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes; toss with remaining dressing before serving and garnish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 13gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Customize as desired.

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