Description
Mediterranean flavors dance through this Zesty Italian Pasta Salad, blending crisp vegetables with tangy herbs and robust dressing. Fresh ingredients and simple preparation make you crave summer’s most refreshing culinary escape.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) rotini pasta
- 4 ounces (113 grams) pepperoni, quartered
- 4 ounces (113 grams) sliced salami, quartered
- 8 ounces (226 grams) fresh mozzarella pearls
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black olives, drained and halved
- 1 orange bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped pepperoncini
Dressing and Garnish:
- 1 recipe homemade Italian dressing
- Parmesan for garnish
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Craft the Italian dressing by whisking together ingredients until smooth and emulsified. Refrigerate to allow flavors to meld, giving a quick shake before use.
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook rotini pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain completely and transfer to a spacious mixing bowl while still warm.
- Drizzle half the prepared dressing over warm pasta, gently tossing to ensure even coating and allow pasta to absorb initial flavors.
- Incorporate protein and vegetable components: add quartered pepperoni, sliced salami, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, diced bell peppers, minced red onion, chopped pepperoncini, and fresh mozzarella pearls.
- Mix ingredients gently to distribute evenly without breaking delicate components. Ensure each pasta piece is surrounded by complementary ingredients.
- Refrigerate the assembled salad for 30 minutes to 24 hours, allowing flavors to develop and meld together. Store remaining dressing separately to maintain freshness.
- Before serving, remove from refrigerator and re-toss with remaining dressing to revive flavors. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese for a final burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Boost flavor absorption by tossing warm pasta with dressing immediately after cooking, allowing the noodles to soak up maximum taste while still slightly hot.
- Customize protein options by swapping pepperoni and salami with grilled chicken, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for different dietary preferences.
- Enhance salad’s texture and freshness by adding ingredients like crisp cucumber, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers for extra crunch and variety.
- Extend shelf life by storing dressing separately and adding just before serving to prevent vegetables from becoming soggy and maintain vibrant ingredients’ crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg