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Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

This Italian Dressing Pasta Salad is a vibrant, nostalgic recipe packed with rotini, fresh veggies, savory meats, creamy mozzarella, and a homemade zesty Italian dressing. A dish that feels like home, perfect for gatherings or meal prep.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American-Italian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Colander
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients
  

For the Salad

  • 1 lb rotini pasta cooked al dente
  • 1/2 cup Genoa salami sliced or diced
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 orange bell pepper chopped
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup black olives sliced
  • 1/4 cup pepperoncini sliced
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls
  • 1/4 cup fresh Parmesan grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

For the Dressing

  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice fresh
  • 1/4 cup fresh Parmesan grated
  • 1 tsp sugar optional
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cook the rotini in salted water until al dente. Drain and place in a large bowl while still warm.
  • Whisk together all dressing ingredients. Pour half over warm pasta and toss to coat.
  • Add tomatoes, meats, bell peppers, red onion, olives, pepperoncini, and mozzarella. Toss to combine.
  • Chill salad for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. Store remaining dressing separately.
  • Before serving, add remaining dressing, toss again, and garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan.

Notes

This pasta salad improves with time. Store dressing separately and refresh before serving. Make it vegetarian by omitting meat and adding chickpeas or marinated veggies.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 13gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 310mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 2.1mg
Keyword Cold Pasta, Italian Dressing, Pasta Salad
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