Name: Quick Italian Pasta Salad (with 1 Secret Ingredient)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb rotini noodles; 3.5 to 4 oz pepperoni, quartered; 4 oz salami slices, 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; 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

Description

Quick Italian Pasta Salad (with 1 Secret Ingredient) is a delightful, vibrant dish that brings together the best of fresh vegetables, savory meats, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings, this pasta salad is not just visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a meal that’s both quick and satisfying. The secret ingredient—a touch of finely grated Parmesan—elevates the dressing and enhances the overall taste, making this dish unforgettable. Whether served as a main course or a tasty side, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb rotini noodles
3.5 to 4 oz pepperoni, quartered
4 oz salami slices, 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
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

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Instructions

Cook rotini noodles in salted boiling water for 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
While the pasta cooks, chop cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, pepperoni, and salami.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked noodles with chopped meats and vegetables. Add mozzarella pearls.
In another bowl, whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, oregano, paprika powder, pepper, and sugar until smooth.
Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated. Adjust seasonings if needed.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to enhance flavors.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 11g
Cholesterol: 30mg