This Italian pasta salad is loaded with meat, cheese and vegetables, all tossed together with noodles in a homemade Italian dressing. A quick and easy side dish that's perfect for feeding a crowd!

Prep Time: 15 min   Cook Time: 10 min    Total Time: 25 min    Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the salad

• 1 pound rotini pasta
• 1 cup chopped salami
• 3/4 cup mini pepperoni
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives halved
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
• 3/4 cup small mozzarella balls halved
• 1 1/4 cups homemade or store-bought Italian dressing (recipe follows)
• salt and pepper to taste

For the dressing

• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 tablespoons finely minced red bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced dried onion or 1 teaspoon fresh minced onion
• 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

For the dressing

1.       Combine all the ingredients in a jar and shake vigorously to combine. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

For the salad

1.       Cook the rotini in salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cool water.

2.       Place the pasta in a large bowl and add the salami, pepperoni, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, parsley and mozzarella balls. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Salad can be made up to 4 hours in advance.

Notes

1. Any short pasta will work for this salad.
2. The homemade dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
3. Leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 361kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 816mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g

SOURCE:  dinneratthezoo.com