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Italian Pasta Salad (Easy, Fresh & Flavorful Recipe)

Italian Pasta Salad (Easy, Fresh & Flavorful Recipe)

This Italian Pasta Salad is a colorful combination of tender pasta, crisp vegetables, mozzarella pearls, savory salami, olives, and a tangy homemade Italian dressing. It's fresh, satisfying, and perfect for meal prep, summer gatherings, or an easy side dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8
Course: lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: italian-american
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 12 ounces rotini pasta
  • 1 cup mozzarella pearls
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • ½ cup red onion thinly sliced
  • ½ cup sliced black olives
  • 4 ounces sliced salami cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Italian Dressing
  • cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot For cooking pasta
  • 1 Colander To drain and rinse pasta
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl For combining the salad
  • 1 Small Bowl or Jar For whisking the dressing
  • 1 Cutting Board For chopping vegetables
  • 1 Chef's Knife For slicing ingredients

Method
 

  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente.Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well.In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.Add the cooled pasta, mozzarella pearls, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, salami, Parmesan cheese, and parsley to a large bowl.Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.Toss again before serving and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking.
  • Chill before serving for the best flavor.
  • Add extra dressing if making ahead.
  • Fresh mozzarella pearls work best.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
    Cook the pasta just until al dente so it stays firm after chilling.