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Quick Italian Pasta Salad (with 1 Secret Ingredient) - Alrightwithme

Quick Italian Pasta Salad (with 1 Secret Ingredient)

Quick Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant dish that brings together the best of Italian flavors in just 25 minutes. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or busy weeknight dinners, this salad features rotini pasta tossed with an array of fresh vegetables, savory meats, and a zesty homemade dressing. The game’s secret ingredient amps up the taste, leaving your guests impressed and asking for seconds. With its versatility as both a side and main dish, this pasta salad is also ideal for meal prep—simply store it in the fridge for delicious leftovers throughout the week.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb rotini noodles
  • 3.5 oz pepperoni
  • 4 oz salami
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup black olives
  • 1 orange bell pepper
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup red onion
  • 8 oz mozzarella pearls
  • Dressing: olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, dried herbs

Instructions

  1. Cook rotini in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Chop vegetables and slice meats into quarters.
  3. Whisk together dressing ingredients in a bowl until combined.
  4. In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with vegetables and meats; pour dressing over and toss gently.
  5. Chill for at least an hour before serving or enjoy immediately topped with Parmesan and parsley.
  • Author: Natalia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Use fresh seasonal veggies for added flavor. Substitute proteins or cheeses based on your preference. Letting the salad rest allows flavors to meld beautifully.