Description
A delightful and easy-to-make pasta salad perfect for gatherings or a quick meal at home, featuring a medley of vibrant ingredients and a secret dressing that elevates the dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb rotini noodles
- 3.5 to 4 oz pepperoni, quartered
- 4 oz salami slices, 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
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Cook the rotini noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled rotini noodles, pepperoni, salami, cherry tomatoes, black olives, orange and green bell peppers, red onion, pepperoncini, and mozzarella pearls.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, freshly grated parmesan, dried parsley, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, oregano, paprika, pepper, and sugar.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss until well combined.
- Top with grated parmesan cheese and minced parsley.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
Notes
For extra flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge before serving. Customize with your favorite veggies or proteins. If short on time, use pre-chopped vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian