Name: Italian Pasta Salad Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound rotini pasta; 3/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup red apple vinegar; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese pearls; 8 ounces cured meats (salami or pepperoni); 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 6 ounces sliced black olives; 1/2 red onion, diced; 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley; Sliced pepperoncinis (optional); 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes; 2 teaspoons dried minced onion; 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic salt; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Description

Italian Pasta Salad Dressing is a refreshing and zesty concoction that transforms your pasta salad into a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. This homemade dressing combines olive oil, red apple vinegar, and a medley of herbs and spices to create a flavorful base that perfectly complements rotini pasta, mozzarella cheese, and cured meats. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or attending a potluck, this Italian dressing enhances the taste of your dish while allowing for customization with fresh vegetables and proteins. Plus, it can be made ahead of time for an even more robust flavor. With minimal prep required, you’ll have a delicious addition to your meal in no time.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound rotini pasta
3/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red apple vinegar
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese pearls
8 ounces cured meats (salami or pepperoni)
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
6 ounces sliced black olives
1/2 red onion, diced
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
Sliced pepperoncinis (optional)
2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

In a jar, combine olive oil, red apple vinegar, dried herbs, garlic salt, sugar, and black pepper. Shake well and refrigerate.
Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
In a mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with half of the dressing; toss to coat.
Add mozzarella cheese, cured meats, olives, diced onion, cherry tomatoes, parsley, and parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly.
Pour remaining dressing over the salad and mix again.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 400
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 24g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Customize your salad by adding vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers. For extra flavor depth, let the dressing marinate overnight. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.