Italian Pasta Salad

The potluck MVP. Better the next day.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 12

Ingredients

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  • 1 lb rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup Italian dressing
  • 4 oz salami, diced
  • 4 oz pepperoni, halved
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1 cup mozzarella pearls (or diced mozzarella)
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup pepperoncini, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup parmesan, shaved
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

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  1. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Toss pasta with half the Italian dressing while still slightly warm.
  3. Add salami, pepperoni, tomatoes, olives, mozzarella, red onion, and pepperoncini.
  4. Pour remaining dressing over salad. Toss to combine.
  5. Add parsley and parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Toss again and add more dressing if needed.

Notes

  • Rinse the pasta: Cold water stops cooking and removes excess starch so it doesn't clump.
  • Dress while warm: Pasta absorbs dressing better when slightly warm.
  • Homemade dressing: Whisk 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 clove minced garlic, salt and pepper.
  • Make ahead: Keeps 5 days refrigerated. Add more dressing before serving—pasta absorbs it.
  • Vegetarian: Skip the meat, add artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers.

Adapted from Natasha's Kitchen