Italian Pasta Salad

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This Italian Pasta Salad is one of those classic recipes that might show up at your summer BBQs, potlucks, and family gatherings and you'll be so glad it did. It's packed with tender pasta, crisp veggies, salty pepperoni, creamy cheese, and zesty Italian dressing. Best of all, its so easy to make, and tastes even better if you make it ahead of time!

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: Italian Pasta Salad, potluck

Servings:

Calories: 312kcal

Equipment

Large Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

16 oz Dry Rotini Noodles
2 cups Sliced Cherry Tomatoes
1 1/2 cups Diced Bell Pepper
1 cup Sliced Red Onion
4 oz Salami (Sliced)
4 oz Pepperoni
8 oz Mozzarella Pearls
6 oz Sliced Olives (about 1/2 can)
3 oz Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
12 oz Italian dressing

Instructions

Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package directions, until al dente. Drain and rinse in cold water. Shake noodles and pat dry with paper towels. 16 oz Dry Rotini Noodles
Slice and prepare all the veggies and meats. 2 cups Sliced Cherry Tomatoes, 1 1/2 cups Diced Bell Pepper, 1 cup Sliced Red Onion, 4 oz Salami, 4 oz Pepperoni
Add the pasta, veggies, mozzarella, olives, and parmesan to a large bowl and toss together. 8 oz Mozzarella Pearls, 6 oz Sliced Olives, 3 oz Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese12 oz Italian dressing
Pour the Italian dressing over the top and toss until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
Cover the bowl refrigerate until you are ready to serve it, at least 1 hour. (Re stir and add extra Italian dressing when serving, especially if chilling longer than a couple of hours).

Notes

Salt your Pasta Water - Salting the pasta water will keep the actual pasta flavorful. I like to add a couple Tablespoons of salt to the boiling water, then add the uncooked pasta.
Cook to Al Dente - We want our pasta to be cooked to al dente or about 1 to 2 minutes less than the shortest time suggested on the pasta package. This will keep the pasta from being too soft, especially as it soaks up the Italian dressing.
Extra Dressing: Always reserve a little extra dressing to add right before serving.
Customize: Load the pasta salad with your favorites. Change out the veggies for what you have on hand, or leave some out if you don't like them. You could also add cucumbers, carrots, corn, chicken, etc.