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Easy Italian Pasta Salad

Easy Italian Pasta Salad: A Summer Delight to Share

This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and crowd-pleasing dish, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 16 oz pasta Choose rotini or fusilli for better flavor absorption.
  • 1.5 whole green bell pepper Adds a sweet crunch.
  • 1.5 whole red bell pepper Brings vibrant color.
  • 1 whole red onion Provides a sharp flavor kick.
  • 0.5 cup black olives Introduces a briny depth.
  • 10 oz salami Infuses protein and robust flavor.
  • 1.25 cup mozzarella Brings creaminess.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes Adds sweetness and juiciness.
  • 0.75 cup Parmesan Enhances the savory aspects.
  • 1 cup Italian dressing Essential for melding flavors.
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • pot
  • Colander
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Begin by finely dicing the green and red bell peppers, and the red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes and cube the salami and mozzarella.
  2. Set a large pot over medium-high heat and bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1 pound of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Transfer the warm, drained pasta to a large mixing bowl. Immediately add in the prepared bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, black olives, cubed salami, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
  4. Pour 1 cup of Italian dressing over the pasta mixture. Use a pair of tongs or a large spoon to gently toss everything together.
  5. Take a taste of your Easy Italian Pasta Salad to check the seasoning. Add salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 15gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; if the salad appears dry, add a dash more dressing.

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