Description
A zesty and colorful Italian pasta salad packed with savory meats, fresh vegetables, and cheeses, all tossed in a tangy Italian dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
1 pound rotini pasta
10 ounces summer sausage or salami, cut into small cubes
4 ounces sliced pepperoni
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1 can black olives, sliced
1/2 cup red onion, diced small
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced
8 ounces mozzarella pearls
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup Italian dressing
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions, reducing the cooking time by about 30 seconds so the pasta stays firm.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool completely.
- Transfer the cooled pasta to a large bowl and add the sausage or salami, pepperoni, tomatoes, olives, red onion, cucumber, bell peppers, mozzarella pearls, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
- Toss everything together until evenly combined.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the mixture and gently stir until well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve to allow the flavors to blend.
Notes
Salami can be used instead of summer sausage for a more traditional Italian flavor.
Add artichoke hearts, banana peppers, roasted red peppers, or fresh basil for extra variety.
For a lighter version, use turkey pepperoni, reduce cheese, or choose a lighter dressing.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Stir in extra Italian dressing before serving if the pasta absorbs too much.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
