Description
Quick Italian Pasta Salad (with 1 Secret Ingredient) is a vibrant and delicious dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your table. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick family dinner, this colorful salad combines rotini pasta with savory meats, fresh vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing. The secret ingredient—freshly grated Parmesan cheese—adds richness and depth to every bite. Easy to whip up in just 25 minutes, this pasta salad is not only packed with flavor but also versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a delightful side. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature; either way, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb rotini noodles
- 3.5 oz pepperoni
- 4 oz salami
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 orange bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 8 oz mozzarella pearls
- 3/4 cup native olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons organic lemon juice
- 1/4 cup finely freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika powder
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Cook rotini noodles in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and cool.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, and seasonings.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with pepperoni, salami, tomatoes, bell peppers, and mozzarella.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Chill for at least one hour before serving to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg