This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is so simple and so attractive that you can make it for a weeknight meal, lunch or even for a crowd. A great pasta salad can be enjoyed anytime of the year. It combines rotini pasta, salami, fresh bell peppers, mozzarella cheese, artichoke hearts, grape tomatoes, sweet red onions and freshly grated Parmesan cheese tossed lightly with Italian dressing.
You can use your favorite bottled Italian dressing or mix up your own. My favorite bottled Italian Dressing is Zias and it brings out all the delectable flavors in this pasta salad. However Zia’s is a local brand so I am not sure how far out of St. Louis you can get it. Maybe you have a local brand that you just love! This delicious Italian Pasta salad goes perfect with Balsamic Vinegar Barbecue Ribs and Grilled Marinated Chicken.
How do you make Italian Pasta Salad?
First boil your rotini noodles until they are cooked firm. Then drain them in a colander making sure to remove as much of the moisture as possible. Next combine the cooked rotini pasta, salami, bell peppers, mozzarella cheese, artichoke hearts, grape tomatoes, sweet red onions and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Finally toss lightly with your favorite Italian dressing.
Recipe notes and helpful tips
- Don’t overcook the pasta. It should be cooked fairly firm so it does not break apart when tossed or absorb too much of the Italian dressing.
- You can use any kind of small pasta such as bowtie, radiatore, small shells or mini penne.
- Use good quality Italian salami.
- Chop the vegetables small so they complement the pasta.
- If you don’t like something, make a substitution. For instance, if you don’t like artichoke hearts, substitute black olives. As I always say, don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.
- Use your favorite bottled or fresh Italian dressing. I have one right here.
- This pasta salad can be made up to a day in advance. However, you might want to add a couple tablespoons of Italian dressing to freshen it up.
Wouldn’t this be so pretty for a party? I think it would look so pretty for a summer patio party or even a holiday Christmas party. It is an economically friendly recipe as well. What are you waiting for? Put the ingredients on your shopping list today and make yourself an amazing Italian Pasta Salad.
More Pasta Salads
Easy Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Rotini Pasta dry
- ½ cup diced italian style salami
- 1½ cups finely chopped bell peppers
- 1 cup small cubed mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup drained chopped artichoke hearts
- 1 cup grape tomatoes sliced in half
- ¼ cup thin sliced red onion
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped Italian parsley
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well and cool.
- In large bowl combine cooked rotini pasta, salami, chopped bell peppers, mozzarella cheese, artichoke hearts, grape tomatoes, red onions and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss with Italian dressing and sprinkle with parsley. Salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
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This post was originally published November 1, 2016 and was republished April 22, 2019 with new content.
https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Jennifer Robertson
I haven’t tried this yet and am searching for the best recipe for a crowd. This looks delicious! I have the ingredients and am not sure how much more to add to be a potluck side dish.
Beth Pierce
You can always double the recipe. Not sure how many you are expecting for your potluck.
Steven M Berry-Brooks
What do you think about adding chopped pepperoni as well? I have worked in many place that served pasta salad with pepperoni its usually a keeper. I can’t wait to try this amazing new recipe.
Beth Pierce
Pepperoni is very good in this pasta salad. Enjoy and thanks for reminding us of that.