Description
Italian Pasta Salad is a colorful and zesty cold salad made with pasta, fresh vegetables, salami, cheese, and a tangy Italian dressing. It’s a perfect side dish for picnics, potlucks, or summer meals.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced salami or pepperoni (optional)
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, red onion, mozzarella, and salami (if using).
- Pour Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil just before serving.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Customize with your favorite vegetables or omit meat for a vegetarian version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg