Description
A vibrant and zesty Italian pasta salad loaded with pepperoni, salami, crisp vegetables, mozzarella pearls, and tossed in a flavorful homemade Italian dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 3.5–4 oz pepperoni, quartered (about ¾ cup)
- 4 oz sliced salami, quartered (about ¾ cup)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black olives, drained and halved
- 1 orange bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- ½ cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped pepperoncini
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Italian dressing by whisking together the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, sugar, parsley, basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl or shaking in a jar. Refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Cook the rotini pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
4. Pour half of the prepared dressing over the warm pasta and toss to coat evenly.
5. Add the pepperoni, salami, cherry tomatoes, black olives, orange bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, pepperoncini, and mozzarella pearls.
6. Toss everything together until well combined.
7. Cover the bowl and chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for best flavor.
8. Before serving, toss with the remaining dressing and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
For best flavor, allow the pasta salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
You can substitute rotini with fusilli or penne pasta.
Add extra vegetables like cucumber or artichoke hearts for additional texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350