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The Ultimate Easy & Zesty Italian Pasta Salad (Perfect for Potlucks)

A close-up of a white bowl filled with vibrant italian pasta salad featuring rotini, pepperoni, olives, and cheese.
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Make this crowd-pleasing Italian pasta salad featuring rotini, mozzarella, pepperoni, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing. It is simple, fresh, and ideal for picnics or BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 1 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • For the Zesty Italian Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the zesty Italian dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. In a very large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cubed mozzarella, pepperoni, black olives, cherry tomatoes, green bell pepper, and red onion.
  4. Pour the prepared Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Stir in the fresh chopped basil.
  6. Cover the bowl and chill the Italian pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.
  7. Before serving, sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese. This cold pasta salad recipe is best served chilled.

Notes

  • You can make this make ahead pasta salad up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator.
  • For a high protein pasta salad option, add 1 cup of cubed cooked chicken breast or chickpeas.
  • If you are preparing this for a crowd, double the dressing recipe to ensure everything is well coated.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hearthbite.com/italian-pasta-salad-recipe/