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Italian Pasta Salad

 A classic Italian Pasta Salad loaded with fresh vegetables, salami, mozzarella cheese, olives, and zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 360

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1 cup bell pepper diced
  • ½ cup red onion sliced
  • ½ cup black olives sliced
  • 1 cup salami chopped
  • 1 cup mozzarella pearls
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Pasta Cooking Pot Used to boil the pasta properly.
  • 1 Fine Mesh Strainer Used to drain and cool the cooked pasta.
  • 1 Large Salad Bowl Used to mix pasta, vegetables, cheese, and dressing together.
  • 1 Mixing Spoon Used for combining all ingredients evenly
  • 1 Sharp Knife Used to slice vegetables, herbs, and other ingredients.
  • 1 Chopping Board Used as a preparation surface for cutting ingredients.
  • 1 Whisk Used to blend the salad dressing smoothly.
  • 1 Small Dressing Bowl Used to prepare and mix dressing ingredients.
  • 1 Measuring Cups Used for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • 1 Measuring Spoons Used for measuring spices and seasonings.
  • 1 Salad Tongs Used for tossing and serving the pasta salad.
  • 1 Serving Plate Used to serve the Italian Pasta Salad.

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
  2. Drain, rinse, and cool completely.
  3. Prepare vegetables and salami.
  4. Whisk together dressing ingredients.
  5. Combine pasta, vegetables, salami, cheese, and olives.
  6. Pour dressing over the salad.
  7. Toss until evenly coated.
  8. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
  9. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

Keep some extra dressing aside to add before serving for better flavor. Italian Pasta Salad is best enjoyed when served chilled. It is also a great choice for meal preparation and is perfect for parties and gatherings.