Description
A refreshing and colorful Italian Pasta Salad combining rotini pasta with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, mozzarella, red onion, salami or pepperoni, and Parmesan cheese, all tossed in tangy Italian dressing. Perfect as a light side dish for picnics, potlucks, or summer meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
Vegetables & Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 3/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 3/4 cup mozzarella balls or cubes
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Meat
- 1/2 cup salami or pepperoni, diced
Dressing & Seasoning
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water until completely cooled to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, mozzarella pieces, thinly sliced red onion, diced salami or pepperoni, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Dressing and Season: Pour 3/4 cup of Italian dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta and vegetables are well coated. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve cold and enjoy as a perfect side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami or pepperoni.
- You can substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.
- This salad can be made up to a day in advance; simply toss again before serving and add extra dressing if needed to refresh flavors.
