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homemade zesty italian salad with chunks of mozzarella cheese
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Zesty Italian Pasta Salad (Easy Dressing Recipe)

This zesty Italian pasta salad is the perfect side dish for a summer bbq, summer potlucks, or to pair with any main dish. Made with fresh veggies and a homemade zesty italian dressing, it's such an easy recipe that's always a crowd pleaser.
Prep Time20 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 401kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces 225g rotini pasta
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • 1 medium cucumber diced
  • ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 container black olives
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves chopped
  • 3 oz salami
  • ½ cup banana peppers
  • 8 oz mozzarella balls
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated
  • ¾ cup calorie wise zesty italian dressing

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, basil, salami, banana peppers, mozzarella balls and parmesan cheese. These vibrant and fresh vegetables will add color, texture, and a burst of flavor to the salad.
  • Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl of vegetables, and pour the zesty Italian dressing over the top. Gently toss the ingredients together until everything is well coated with the dressing.
  • Let the pasta salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and develop. This chilling time will also help the pasta absorb the dressing, resulting in a more flavorful salad.
  • Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and ensure even distribution of flavors.
  • Serve the zesty Italian pasta salad chilled, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired. This vibrant and refreshing dish is perfect as a standalone meal or as a side dish to accompany grilled meats or seafood.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 401kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 645mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g