Description
A refreshing and flavorful Italian Pasta Salad featuring rotini pasta, fresh mozzarella, crisp cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, Genoa salami, and Parmesan cheese, all tossed in a zesty Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light meal, this salad can be prepared ahead and enjoyed chilled.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb rotini (or any short pasta like bowtie, penne, or fusilli)
Cheese & Meats
- 8-12 oz mini mozzarella balls (or diced mozzarella)
- 6-8 oz Genoa salami, sliced and quartered
- 1 cup shredded fresh Parmesan cheese
Vegetables
- 1 English cucumber, halved or quartered
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 16 oz roasted red peppers, jarred
- 16 oz pepperoncini rings, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup freshly chopped basil
Dressing & Seasoning
- 1-2 cups Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Add 2 tablespoons of salt to a large pot of boiling water. Cook the pasta according to package directions, aiming for 'al dente' texture—firm to the bite but fully cooked. Drain the pasta and immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool it quickly. Let it drain completely in a strainer.
- Prep the add-ins: While the pasta cools, chop the English cucumber, halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes, roughly chop the pepperoncini rings, dice the red onion, quarter the Genoa salami slices, and chop the fresh basil. Keep all the pieces small and uniform for even mixing.
- Mix it up: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the mozzarella balls, prepared vegetables, sliced meats, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Dress it up: Pour in 1 cup of Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing and toss to coat everything evenly. Add more dressing as preferred, up to 2 cups, to achieve the desired level of sauciness and flavor.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 to 60 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop. For best results, chill overnight.
- Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil on top for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the pasta to maintain a firm texture in the salad.
- Rinsing the pasta under cold water stops the cooking process and helps cool it for the salad.
- Adjust the amount of dressing to your preference; more dressing results in a saucier salad.
- The salad tastes even better after sitting overnight, allowing the flavors to fully develop.
- Use fresh herbs and good quality ingredients for the best taste.
- This dish can be made a day ahead for convenience.
