Description
This zesty Italian pasta salad is loaded with rotini pasta, pepperoni, salami, mozzarella pearls, fresh vegetables, and tangy pepperoncini all tossed in a bold homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for parties, potlucks, and make-ahead entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 recipe homemade Italian dressing
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 3.5–4 oz pepperoni, quartered
- 4 oz sliced salami, quartered
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black olives, drained and halved
- 1 orange bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped pepperoncini
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the homemade Italian dressing according to recipe directions and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Cook the rotini pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain well and transfer to a large serving bowl.
3. Pour half of the Italian dressing over the warm pasta and toss to coat evenly.
4. Add the pepperoni, salami, cherry tomatoes, black olives, bell peppers, red onion, pepperoncini, and mozzarella pearls. Toss to combine.
5. Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for best flavor.
6. Before serving, toss with the remaining dressing and garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
For the best flavor, use homemade Italian dressing and chill the salad before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
The pasta may absorb dressing as it sits, so refresh leftovers with extra dressing before serving.
This recipe is perfect for potlucks, picnics, meal prep, and summer gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg