Delicious Italian Pasta Salad for a Fresh Summer Feast

This Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and customizable dish that's perfect for summer gatherings.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 10

Chilling Time 30

Total Time 1 10

Servings: 4 servings

Course: salads

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Salad Base

8 ounces Rotini Pasta Cook al dente
1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Diced
1 cup Cucumbers Diced or swapped for zucchini

For the Proteins

4 ounces Pepperoni or Salami Grilled chicken as substitute
8 ounces Mozzarella Balls Cubed cheddar or provolone can be used

For the Dressing

1 cup Italian Dressing Homemade preferred

For Garnish

¼ cup Fresh Parsley Chopped; basil can be used

Equipment

large pot
mixing bowl
whisk
plastic wrap

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, vinegar, garlic, Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Bring salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Add warm rotini to a large bowl and mix in half of the chilled Italian dressing.
Chop cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and pepperoni or salami. Add to pasta along with mozzarella balls and mix gently.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Before serving, drizzle the remaining dressing and garnish with parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. This salad can be made a day ahead, and the dressing can be added just before serving for optimal freshness.

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