Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Italian Pasta Salad, a delightful dish that combines fresh vegetables, savory meats, and creamy cheeses. Perfect for any gatheringโfrom casual picnics to elegant dinner partiesโthis salad is quick to prepare, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish. The bright colors and delicious textures make it not only appealing but also versatile enough to serve as a main course or side dish. Make it ahead of time for meal prep or potlucks; itโs even tastier the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully. Enjoy a refreshing and hearty experience with every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta (penne, elbow, fusilli, or rotini)
- 1 medium green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 small red onion (diced)
- ยฝ cup black olives (sliced)
- 8 ounces salami (cut into small pieces)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (cubed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ยฝ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with diced peppers, onion, olives, salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, Parmesan, and Italian dressing. Toss gently until evenly mixed.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Customize with your favorite vegetables or add-ins such as artichokes or additional proteins. For a lighter option, serve in lettuce wraps instead of on a plate.