How to Make Quick Italian Pasta Salad with a Secret Ingredient

Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re looking for a delightful dish that’s perfect for quick family dinners, then you’ve stumbled upon the right recipe! Today, I’m excited to share my Quick Italian Pasta Salad with a secret ingredient that will elevate your dish to a whole new level. This salad is not only vibrant and colorful but also packed with flavors that will make your taste buds dance! Plus, it’s one of those easy pasta recipes that you can whip up in no time, making it ideal for those busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for 30-minute meals.
• Loaded with delicious ingredients that everyone will love.
• Great for meal prep and can be served cold or at room temperature.
• Versatile – you can customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins.
• Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering salad:

• 1 lb rotini noodles
• 3.5 to 4 oz pepperoni (about 3/4 cup, quartered)
• 4 oz salami slices (about 3/4 cup, 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 native olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons organic lemon juice
• 1/4 cup finely freshly grated parmesan
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp paprika powder
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s dive into the fun part – making this delicious salad!

1. Start by cooking the rotini noodles according to the package instructions. Make sure to add a pinch of salt to the boiling water for extra flavor. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the quartered pepperoni, salami, halved cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced orange and green bell peppers, finely diced red onion, and chopped pepperoncini.
3. Add the cooled rotini noodles to the bowl and toss everything together gently.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, freshly grated parmesan, dried parsley, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, oregano, paprika, pepper, and sugar. This is where our secret ingredient comes into play – the combination of these flavors will make your salad sing!
5. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is well coated.
6. Finally, sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and minced parsley for that extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your pasta salad turns out perfectly every time:

• Feel free to customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand. This salad is versatile and can easily accommodate different veggies or proteins.
• Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• If you want to make this a meaty pasta salad, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for an extra protein boost.
• For a twist, try adding some fresh herbs like basil or arugula for a refreshing touch.

How to Serve

This Quick Italian Pasta Salad is perfect for any occasion! Serve it as a side dish at your next barbecue, or enjoy it as a light lunch. It’s also a fantastic option for meal prep – just store it in the fridge and grab it when you need a quick bite. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a side of creamy garlic pasta for a complete meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

This salad is a great make-ahead option! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just keep in mind that the noodles may absorb some of the dressing, so you might want to add a splash of olive oil or vinegar before serving to refresh the flavors. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it one of the best cold salad recipes for your weeknight dinner ideas!

So there you have it! A perfect pasta salad that’s not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor. I hope you enjoy making this Quick Italian Pasta Salad as much as I do. Don’t forget to check out my other delicious recipes like Beef Stir Fry, Mongolian Beef, and Ground Beef Stroganoff for more inspiration. Happy cooking!