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Quick Italian Pasta Salad (with 1 Secret Ingredient) – Alrightwithme Recipe

ith 1 Secret Ingredient) - Alrightwithme Recipe

5.3 from 27 reviews

A delicious and easy-to-make Quick Italian Pasta Salad recipe that features a secret ingredient for added flavor. This salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

  • 1 lb rotini noodles
  • 3.5 to 4 oz pepperoni (about 3/4 cup, quartered)
  • 4 oz salami slices (about 3/4 cup, cut into quarters)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 cup black olives (halved and drained)
  • 1 orange bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 green bell pepper (diced)
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
  • 2 tbsp chopped pepperoncini
  • 8 oz mozzarella pearls
  • Grated parmesan cheese and minced parsley, for topping

For The Dressing:

  • 3/4 cup native olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons organic lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup finely freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp paprika powder
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Italian Dressing – Put all dressing ingredients in a jar, shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Refrigerate until use.
  2. Cook the Rotini Pasta – Boil salted water, cook rotini until al dente, drain, and transfer to a bowl.
  3. Combine Pasta and Half of the Dressing – Pour half of the dressing over warm pasta, toss to coat.
  4. Add Remaining Salad Ingredients – Add all remaining salad ingredients to dressed pasta, toss gently.
  5. Chill the Salad – Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Finish and Serve – Toss with remaining dressing, garnish with Parmesan and parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure to mix the dressing well before adding to the salad.
  • Chill the salad for better flavor development.
  • Add extra Parmesan just before serving for enhanced taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian pasta salad, quick recipe, potluck dish, easy pasta salad