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Italian Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad: Your Go-To Recipe for Summer Fun

This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant dish perfect for summer gatherings, featuring fresh veggies, salami, and a zesty dressing.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 lb Pasta (e.g., rotini or fusilli) Provides structure and wonderful sauce cling; substitution: other short pasta shapes may work, but skip long kinds like spaghetti.
  • 1.5 pcs Green Bell Pepper (finely diced) Adds crunch and fresh flavor; substitution: yellow or orange bell pepper enhances sweetness.
  • 1.5 pcs Red Bell Pepper (finely diced) Brings color and zesty taste.
  • 1 pcs Red Onion (diced) Offers sharpness and depth to the salad.
  • 0.5 cup Black Olives (sliced) Adds a salty and savory touch.
  • 10 oz Salami (cut into cubes) Provides protein and richness; essential for the Italian Pasta Salad vibe!
  • 1.25 cup Mozzarella (cubed) Contributes creaminess and flavor.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved) Infuses sweetness and juiciness.
  • 0.75 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated) Introduces nutty flavor and delightful texture.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Italian Dressing (e.g., Ken's Steak House Simply Vinaigrette) The flavor enhancer that ties all ingredients together.
  • Salt & Pepper To taste; essential seasonings for balance.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • large mixing bowl
  • Plastic wrap or lid

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Italian Pasta Salad
  1. Begin by finely dicing 1 ½ green and red bell peppers into ¼-inch pieces, and dice 1 red onion. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, and cube 10 oz of salami and 1 ¼ cup of mozzarella. Arrange your ingredients in separate bowls to keep your workspace organized.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 1 lb of pasta and cook it according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander, but avoid rinsing it to preserve its flavor.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm pasta with the diced vegetables, black olives, cubed salami, and mozzarella. Pour in 1 cup of Italian dressing, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Toss gently for about 2-3 minutes until the salad is vibrant and well mixed.
  4. Taste your salad and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or longer if desired.
  5. When you’re ready to serve, gently toss the ingredients again to redistribute the dressing. Transfer the refreshed salad to a serving bowl.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Feel free to swap proteins or add extra veggies, but keep the balance of flavors in mind. Using high-quality pasta enhances the texture.

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