Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Italian Pasta Salad, a delightful dish perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to casual dinners. This simple yet satisfying salad features tender rotini pasta tossed with savory salami, fresh vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy homemade dressing that elevates it beyond ordinary pasta salads. With its colorful presentation and refreshing taste, it’s sure to become a favorite at gatherings or meal prep. Whether enjoyed as a main course or served alongside grilled meats, this versatile salad is easy to prepare and ideal for busy lifestyles.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz dry rotini
- 10 oz hard salami, chopped
- 3 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 (6 oz) can black olives, sliced
- 2 cups bell peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
- 3 oz grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley and basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook rotini in salted boiling water until al dente (about 6 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Spread cooked rotini on a baking sheet to cool for about 15 minutes.
- While cooling, chop the vegetables and whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, mustard, honey, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with salami, tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, red onion, mozzarella pearls, parmesan cheese, parsley, and basil.
- Pour the dressing over the salad along with reserved pasta water. Toss well to combine and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg