Description
This Classic Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for gatherings and potlucks. Featuring tri-colored rotini pasta tossed with savory Italian salami, fresh cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, tangy peperoncini, olives, and fresh basil, all coated in a zesty Italian vinaigrette dressing. This no-cook salad after pasta preparation is refreshing, easy to make, and serves as a delightful side or light meal for up to eight people.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces tri-colored rotini pasta (1 box)
Meat
- ½ cup hard Italian salami, chopped or thinly sliced
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 pint Glory tomatoes (cherry-type), quartered
- ¼ cup minced red onions
- ½ cup diced peperoncini
- ¼ cup pitted and sliced black or green olives
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Dairy
- 1 cup mini mozzarella balls (8 ounces pearls), halved
Dressing
- 1 cup Italian dressing (vinaigrette) (see note for alternate dressing)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the tri-colored rotini pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Shake off excess water and spread the pasta on paper towels lined on a large rimmed baking sheet to dry for 10-15 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, chopped Italian salami, quartered cherry tomatoes, minced red onions, halved mini mozzarella balls, diced peperoncini, sliced olives, and chopped fresh basil. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Dressing: Pour ¾ cup of Italian vinaigrette dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly coated with the dressing for maximum flavor.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the pasta salad to an airtight container and refrigerate until it’s time to serve. Before serving, add the remaining ¼ cup of dressing and toss again to mix. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Enjoy: Serve chilled and enjoy this flavorful and colorful classic Italian pasta salad!
Notes
- You can substitute the Italian vinaigrette with your favorite dressing, such as a balsamic vinaigrette or a homemade lemon herb dressing for a different flavor twist.
- Allowing the pasta to dry properly after rinsing helps prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making it a convenient dish for gatherings.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and add more veggies or chickpeas for protein.
- Use fresh mozzarella pearls for best texture and flavor.
