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Best Italian Pasta Salad with Salami

A colorful and flavorful pasta salad combining salami, fresh vegetables, and zesty dressing, ideal for potlucks and busy weeknights.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Dish, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 330
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • 1 2/3 cup olive oil Preferably Bertolli Extra Virgin for a smooth finish
  • 2 1/3 cup cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning McCormick is recommended for the best herb balance
  • 3/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
Salad Ingredients
  • 4 cups pasta (rotini or fusilli) Best for holding the dressing
  • 1 medium red onion Finely diced into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes Halved
  • 1 large cucumber Diced
  • 1 1/2 cups small mozzarella balls
  • 1 1/4 cups salami Cut into 1/2-inch thick cubes for better texture
  • 3/4 cup kalamata olives Halved
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley Chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper Diced

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse.
  2. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, cider vinegar, sugar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add the cooked pasta along with the diced onion, halved tomatoes, diced cucumber, mozzarella balls, cubed salami, halved olives, chopped parsley, and diced bell pepper.
  4. Toss everything together until well combined.
  5. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.

Notes

For best results, let the salad chill to allow flavors to meld. Adjust vegetables based on availability, and consider adding artichoke hearts. Maintain pasta al dente for texture, and garnish with parsley before serving.