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This Italian Dressing Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish, packed with zesty dressing, pepperoni, salami, mozzarella pearls, and a mix of fresh veggies. The dressing is a crowd favorite, with its perfect balance of tangy and herby flavors, complemented by the crunch of pepperoncini and the richness of Italian meats. It’s easy to make ahead, and the flavors only get better as it sits, making it a go-to dish for potlucks, barbecues, or any casual gathering.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad:
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 3.5–4 oz pepperoni, quartered
- 4 oz Genoa salami, quartered
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black olives, halved
- 1 orange bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- ½ cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped pepperoncini
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
- Fresh Parmesan and parsley for garnish
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the pasta: In salted water, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add to a large serving bowl.
Make the dressing: Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Parmesan, sugar, parsley, basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a jar or bowl. Shake or whisk until smooth.
Assemble the salad: Pour half of the dressing over the warm pasta and toss. Add the pepperoni, salami, tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, red onion, pepperoncini, and mozzarella pearls. Toss to combine.
Chill and serve: For best results, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Toss with the remaining dressing and garnish with Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Nutrients (per serving)

Calories: 350 kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 800mg
Potassium: 350mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Vitamin A: 600 IU
Vitamin C: 35mg
Calcium: 160mg
Iron: 2mg

A Flavorful Combination of Meats, Cheese, and Vegetables

At the heart of the Italian Dressing Pasta Salad is a combination of rich, savory ingredients that complement each other perfectly. The pepperoni and Genoa salami provide a satisfying amount of flavor and texture, adding that irresistible, smoky, and salty bite that makes Italian meats a favorite in many dishes. The pepperoni’s spice is balanced by the richness of the salami, which brings a subtle depth of flavor.

The fresh mozzarella pearls add a creamy, mild texture that contrasts nicely with the tanginess of the dressing and the heartiness of the meats. These little bursts of cheese melt in your mouth, offering a satisfying richness without overwhelming the salad.

The vegetables in the salad are just as important in providing crunch, freshness, and color. Cherry tomatoes add juiciness and sweetness, while black olives introduce a briny, earthy flavor that balances the richness of the meats. The bell peppers (orange and green) contribute both crunch and a slight sweetness, making them the perfect companions to the saltier components.

Finely diced red onion adds a subtle sharpness and bite, while the pepperoncini peppers contribute a tangy and slightly spicy flavor, adding an exciting twist to the salad. Together, these ingredients create a well-balanced dish that’s full of flavor, texture, and visual appeal.

The Perfect Zesty Italian Dressing

What truly elevates the Italian Dressing Pasta Salad is the dressing itself. This homemade dressing is made from extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice, creating a tangy base that perfectly complements the richness of the cheese and meats. Freshly grated Parmesan adds depth and a savory umami flavor, making the dressing rich yet refreshing.

The seasoning is what makes this dressing truly shine. A combination of dried parsley, basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika brings a wonderful herby flavor to the mix, infusing the entire salad with a deliciously aromatic kick. The addition of a little sugar balances out the acidity of the vinegar and lemon juice, creating a harmonious, well-rounded dressing that ties all the ingredients together.

This dressing is versatile and can be adjusted to taste. If you prefer a bit more sweetness, add an extra teaspoon of sugar. For a more intense herby flavor, increase the amount of dried basil or oregano. The dressing is an essential element in making this pasta salad a true standout.

Quick and Easy to Prepare

The preparation of this Italian Dressing Pasta Salad is incredibly simple, making it a perfect choice for busy days when you need to prepare something delicious with minimal effort. The rotini pasta takes just a few minutes to cook until it’s al dente, and while it cools, you can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables and meats.

The dressing itself comes together in a matter of minutes by simply whisking together the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Parmesan, sugar, and seasonings. Once the dressing is ready, simply pour it over the pasta while it’s still warm to ensure it absorbs all those delicious flavors.

Once the pasta is mixed with the dressing, all that’s left to do is add the meats, vegetables, and mozzarella pearls. Toss everything together, chill for at least 30 minutes, and you’re done! It’s an easy, no-fuss dish that’s sure to impress your guests with its vibrant flavors and textures.

Perfect for Making Ahead and Chilling

One of the best things about this Italian Dressing Pasta Salad is that it can be made ahead of time. In fact, it’s one of those dishes that tastes even better after it sits for a while, allowing all the flavors to meld together. After chilling in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or longer), the dressing soaks into the pasta, enhancing the overall flavor and making it even more delicious.

This makes the pasta salad an excellent choice for potlucks, barbecues, or any gathering where you need a dish that’s easy to prepare ahead of time. You can make it in the morning, let it chill, and then serve it later in the day, knowing it will be even more flavorful by the time it’s ready to eat.

Packed with Nutrients and Flavor

Not only is this Italian Dressing Pasta Salad flavorful, but it’s also a balanced dish that provides a variety of nutrients. The rotini pasta offers carbohydrates for energy, while the meats (pepperoni and salami) provide protein and fat to make the salad filling and satisfying.

The vegetables, including bell peppers, tomatoes, olives, red onion, and pepperoncini, contribute vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. These nutrients support immune function, promote heart health, and contribute to overall well-being. The mozzarella pearls offer a good source of calcium and protein, adding richness without overwhelming the dish.

With only 350 calories per serving, this pasta salad can be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal. The healthy fats from the olive oil and cheese provide satiety, while the fiber from the vegetables and olives helps with digestion. It’s a nutrient-packed, satisfying dish that’s both delicious and good for you.

Conclusion: A Perfect Dish for Any Gathering

The Italian Dressing Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect blend of savory meats, creamy cheese, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy, herby dressing. It’s an easy, make-ahead dish that’s ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or casual gatherings. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a meal on its own, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit.

With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and simple preparation, this Italian Dressing Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to elevate any gathering. So, next time you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and sure to please a crowd, give this pasta salad a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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