Quick Italian Pasta Salad (with 1 Secret Ingredient) – Alrightwithme Recipe
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.
- Author: mia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- Prepare the Italian Dressing – Put all dressing ingredients in a jar, shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Refrigerate until use.
- Cook the Rotini Pasta – Boil salted water, cook rotini until al dente, drain, and transfer to a bowl.
- Combine Pasta and Half of the Dressing – Pour half of the dressing over warm pasta, toss to coat.
- Add Remaining Salad Ingredients – Add all remaining salad ingredients to dressed pasta, toss gently.
- Chill the Salad – Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Italian pasta salad, quick recipe, potluck dish, easy pasta salad