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Savory Italian Combo Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy Italian pasta salad featuring salami, olives, provolone cheese, and a light herb-infused vinaigrette. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a flavorful lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) tri-color rotini or your favorite short pasta (fusilli or penne)
  • 6 ounces (170g) Italian salami, diced (Genoa salami preferred)
  • 1 cup (150g) black olives, sliced (Kalamata or regular black olives)
  • 1 cup (140g) provolone cheese, cubed (sharp provolone or mozzarella)
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) Italian dressing, homemade or store-bought
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340g) of tri-color rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. While pasta cooks, dice 6 ounces (170g) of Italian salami, halve 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, slice 1 cup (150g) black olives, cube 1 cup (140g) provolone cheese, and finely chop 1 small red onion (if using). Chop 2 tablespoons fresh parsley.
  4. Add all prepped ingredients to the cooled pasta bowl. Pour in 3/4 cup (180ml) Italian dressing and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece.
  5. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed, keeping in mind salami and olives can be salty.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. For best results, chill for 1-2 hours.
  7. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top and give a quick toss.

Notes

Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to stop cooking and prevent mushiness. Use a light herb-infused vinaigrette instead of heavy mayo for freshness. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Add extra dressing if salad seems dry after chilling. For vegetarian or gluten-free options, swap salami for marinated artichokes or gluten-free pasta respectively.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian pasta salad, salami pasta salad, easy pasta salad, crowd pleaser, quick pasta salad, Italian salad, rotini pasta salad

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/savory-italian-combo-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-5-ingredient-crowd-pleaser/