Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Refrigerate: 1 hr | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 12
Always a huge hit and never disappoints – this Italian Pasta Salad is one of the classics that has the best flavour and is loaded with olives, tomatoes, cheese and so much more! Incredibly easy to make and the perfect side dish for BBQ and more.
If you want something easy to fix and convenient without breaking the bank, this cold pasta with Italian dressing is your best option. Excellent for parties, potlucks, or BBQ. Sit the pasta salad in a large glass bowl for presentation and top with extra Parmesan cheese. If you’d like, you can also use Penne or elbow pasta if tricolour pasta is not available. You can even add ingredients that your family chooses, or replace/omit. Feel free to mix and match the ingredients because no matter what this pasta is going to be amazing! A true classic! And that makes the best pasta salad!
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Ingredients
(1) 16 oz. package of rotini pasta (We love the multi-coloured)
2 c. cherry tomatoes halved
1/2 lb mozzarella cheese cubed
1/2 lb sliced pepperoni cut in half
1 large green bell pepper diced
1 can of black olives 10 ounces, drained
8 ounces Italian dressing
6 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese
How to make Classic Italian Pasta Salad
Step 1: According to package directions, cook the pasta in boiling water until al dente. When done, drain the pasta and rinse with cold water, then set aside.
Step 2: Combine the pasta with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, green pepper, and black olives in a large bowl. Pour over the Italian dressing, then add the Parmesan cheese and stir well until the pasta is fully coated.
Step 3: For the flavours to come together, place the pasta salad in the fridge for at least an hour.
Note:
For an even more flavour, add red onion to the pasta. Feel free to add fresh mozzarella or fresh herbs, as well!
Nutrition Facts:
Amount Per Serving: Calories 399 | Calories from Fat 180 | Fat 20g 31% | Saturated Fat 8g 50% | Cholesterol 44mg 15% | Sodium 876mg 38% | Potassium 255mg 7% | Carbohydrates 32g 11% | Fiber 1g 4% | Sugar 4g 4% | Protein 18g 36% | Vitamin A 675IU 14% | Vitamin C 18.6mg 23% | Calcium 281mg 28% | Iron 1.3mg 7%
Ingredients
- (1) 16 oz. package of rotini pasta (We love the multi-coloured)
- 2 c. cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 lb mozzarella cheese cubed
- 1/2 lb sliced pepperoni cut in half
- 1 large green bell pepper diced
- 1 can of black olives 10 ounces, drained
- 8 ounces Italian dressing
- 6 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: According to package directions, cook the pasta in boiling water until al dente. When done, drain the pasta and rinse with cold water, then set aside.
Step 2: Combine the pasta with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, green pepper, and black olives in a large bowl. Pour over the Italian dressing, then add the Parmesan cheese and stir well until the pasta is fully coated.
Step 3: For the flavours to come together, place the pasta salad in the fridge for at least an hour.
Notes
For an even more flavour, add red onion to the pasta. Feel free to add fresh mozzarella or fresh herbs, as well!