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zesty italian pasta salad

Whether you're preparing for a summer picnic, potluck, or a quick family dinner, this pasta salad is a go-to recipe that never fails to impress.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz rotini pasta or penne/farfalle
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cucumber diced
  • ½ red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 ½ cups mixed bell peppers diced (red, yellow, green)
  • ½ cup black olives sliced
  • 1 cup mozzarella cubed or mini balls
  • 1 cup salami or pepperoni chopped (optional)
  • ½ –¾ cup zesty Italian dressing store-bought or homemade
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • Fresh parsley or basil chopped (for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Cook Pasta – Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prep Veggies & Meat – Dice vegetables, cube cheese, and chop meat (if using).
  3. Mix Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine pasta, vegetables, cheese, meat, and olives.
  4. Add Dressing – Pour in dressing and toss well. Start with ½ cup and add more if desired.
  5. Chill – Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour for flavors to blend.
  6. Serve – Top with Parmesan and fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

  • For vegetarian, skip meat and add chickpeas or extra veggies.
  • Try add-ins like artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
  • Make homemade dressing with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard.
  • Best served cold and can be made a day ahead.