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Italian Pasta Salad

Loaded Italian Pasta Salad That Dances With Flavor

Enjoy a vibrant twist on Italian pasta salad that blends comfort and freshness, perfect for summer picnics and cookouts.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 pound Dry Rotini Other pasta shapes can be substituted
  • 8 ounces Hard Salami Can substitute with Italian sausage or pepperoni
  • 1 pint Grape Tomatoes Cherry tomatoes can be used as a substitute
  • 1 cup Black Olives Green olives can be used based on preference
  • 1 cup Chopped Bell Peppers Any color works; yellow and green are recommended
  • 1 large Chopped Red Onion Shallots or green onions can be used
  • 8 ounces Mozzarella Pearls Fresh mozzarella chunks also work
  • 0.5 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Use pre-grated for convenience if desired
  • 1 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley Dried parsley can be used in a pinch
  • 0.5 cup Chopped Fresh Basil Dried basil should be mixed into the dressing
For the Dressing
  • 0.5 cup Olive Oil Avocado oil can be substituted
  • 1 3 Fresh Lemon Juice Lime juice can be used as an alternative
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Italian seasoning can substitute
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard can stand in
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Maple syrup serves as a vegan alternative
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Garlic powder can be used in a hurry
  • 0.5 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust according to spice preference

Equipment

  • large pot
  • medium bowl
  • baking sheet
  • large mixing bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Italian Pasta Salad
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the dry rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool for about 15 minutes.
  2. While the pasta cools, chop all your fresh ingredients including salami, tomatoes, olives, peppers, onions, parsley, and basil.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, mustard, honey, garlic, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini, salami, tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, red onion, mozzarella, parmesan, parsley, and basil. Toss gently.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until evenly coated. If dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  6. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to enhance flavors before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This salad is best served chilled and can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Perfect for meal prep and gatherings.

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