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Easy Italian Pasta Salad

Easy Italian Pasta Salad: Your Perfect Summer Make-Ahead Delight

Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a colorful, quick dish that pleases everyone at summer gatherings with tasty rotini pasta and zesty Italian dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 lb Rotini or Fusilli Pasta Choose sturdy pasta shapes for better dressing adherence.
  • 1.5 pieces Green Bell Pepper Finely diced; substitute with cucumber for a lighter taste.
  • 1.5 pieces Red Bell Pepper Finely diced; brings a touch of sweetness.
  • 1 pieces Red Onion Diced; provides a sharp flavor; use green onions for milder taste.
  • 0.5 cup Black Olives Sliced; adds a briny element.
  • 10 oz Salami Cut into 1/2-inch cubes; offers protein and richness.
  • 1.25 cup Mozzarella Cheese Cubed; contributes creaminess and mild flavor.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved; provides juiciness and sweetness.
  • 0.75 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated; enhances flavor depth.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Italian Dressing Preferably robust brands like Ken's Steak House.
  • Salt & Pepper To taste; adjust as needed.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by finely dicing the green and red bell peppers, and red onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Cut the salami into 1/2-inch cubes and cube the mozzarella cheese. Place all prepped ingredients into a large bowl.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini or fusilli pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly but avoid rinsing it.
  3. In the bowl with prepped vegetables, transfer the hot pasta directly after draining it. Add in the sliced black olives, diced salami, cubed mozzarella, and pour in the Italian dressing while everything is still warm.
  4. Gently toss all the ingredients together using a large spoon. Taste your creation and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best taste, prepare 1-2 days in advance and add dressing just before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Not recommended for freezing.

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