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+ servings
Italian Pasta Salad

Creamy Italian Pasta Salad That Will Wow Your Guests

This creamy Italian pasta salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that's perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • 1 cup Italian Dressing Feel free to substitute with your favorite brand.
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Full-fat is ideal for the best texture.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed juice is the tastiest option.
Salad
  • 12 oz Rotini Pasta Tri-colored for extra visual appeal.
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper Can swap for green bell pepper if desired.
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper Mix with yellow bell pepper for a tasty variation.
  • 1 Red Onion Using sweet onion can offer a milder taste.
  • 1 cup Salami Pepperoni is a great alternative.
  • ½ cup Black Olives Omit for a lighter version if preferred.
  • 1 cup Fresh Mozzarella Pearls Regular cubed mozzarella can work well.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Serving bowl
  • whisk
  • cutting board
  • knife

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely, then set it aside in a bowl.
  2. While the pasta cools, prepare the vegetables and dressing. Dice the red and green bell peppers, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the salami into bite-sized pieces. Slice the black olives. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
  3. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta with all the prepared vegetables, diced salami, sliced olives, and fresh mozzarella pearls. Fold everything together, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed. Drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad and toss until all pasta is coated.
  4. For the best flavor, allow the creamy Italian pasta salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. If serving immediately, it's best enjoyed at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow the pasta to cool completely before mixing to prevent wilting vegetables. For enhanced flavors, let the salad chill for at least one hour.

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