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Zesty Italian Combo Pasta Salad

Zesty Italian Combo Pasta Salad

This Zesty Italian Combo Pasta Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that’s incredibly simple to assemble, making it a perfect weeknight meal or potluck contribution. Its bright flavors and hearty ingredients ensure everyone will be asking for the recipe, proving that delicious food doesn't have to be complicated.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Zesty Italian Dressing
  • 1 pound rotini pasta or your favorite short pasta shape
  • 8 ounces pepperoni thinly sliced and quartered
  • 8 ounces Genoa salami thinly sliced and quartered
  • 8 ounces sliced provolone cheese cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl or jar
  • Salad tongs or spoons

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
    1 pound rotini pasta
  2. Prepare the Meats and Cheese: While the pasta is cooking, prepare your Italian deli meats and cheese. Thinly slice the pepperoni and genoa salami, then cut them into bite-sized quarters. Cut the provolone cheese into similar bite-sized pieces. Add the prepared pepperoni, salami, and provolone to the bowl with the pasta.
    8 ounces pepperoni, 8 ounces Genoa salami, 8 ounces sliced provolone cheese
  3. Add the Vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes and pitted Kalamata olives. Thinly slice the red onion and dice the green bell pepper. Add these fresh vegetables to the mixing bowl. Finely chop the fresh parsley and add it as well.
    1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cup Kalamata olives, 1/2 cup red onion, 1/2 cup green bell pepper, 1/4 cup fresh parsley
  4. Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine all the ingredients for the Zesty Italian Dressing: olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until the dressing is well emulsified and thoroughly combined.
    1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  5. Combine and Toss: Pour the prepared Zesty Italian Dressing over the ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together using salad tongs or two large spoons, ensuring that the pasta, meats, cheese, and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate the Zesty Italian Combo Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a truly sensational taste experience. The salad can be made several hours or even a day in advance.

Notes

Store any leftover Zesty Italian Combo Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It is best enjoyed chilled.