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Throw together this Zesty Italian Pasta Salad in just 20 minutes! Loaded with fresh veggies, mozzarella, and pepperoni, it’s the perfect side dish for busy weeknights or summer BBQs. This cold pasta salad recipe is bursting with bold Italian flavors. Ideal for meal prep and parties!

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When life gets busy, finding time to prepare meals can feel like an overwhelming task. But what if I told you there’s a dish that’s not only quick and easy but also versatile enough to serve as a side dish throughout the week or as a perfect addition to a summer BBQ? 

Say hello to today’s zesty Italian pasta salad! This yummy cold pasta salad is packed with fresh veggies, savory meats, and creamy mozzarella pearls, all tossed in a bold and zesty Italian dressing. It’s a go-to recipe that you can whip up in just 20 minutes, leaving you with more time to enjoy with your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This zesty Italian pasta salad is a busy parent’s best friend. The combination of ingredients makes it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike. The rotini pasta is the perfect shape to hold onto the delicious Italian dressing, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Plus, the fresh vegetables add a satisfying crunch, while the pepperoni brings a savory, meaty element that balances the dish perfectly. 

The best part? This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep. Whether you’re packing it for lunch, serving it as a side dish for dinner, or bringing it to a BBQ, this cold pasta salad recipe is sure to be a hit!

How to Make Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 6 oz sliced pepperoni
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese pearls (you may need to halve them depending on size)
• 10 oz grape tomatoes, halved (about 3 cups)
• ½ red onion, chopped
• ½ English cucumber, chopped
• ½ cup sliced olives (black or green)
• 1 cup Italian dressing, or added to taste

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a generous amount of salt to the water and cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and bring it to room temperature.
2. Prep the Ingredients: While the pasta cooks, prepare the remaining ingredients. Halve the grape tomatoes, chop the red onion and cucumber, and slice the olives. If you’re using pepperoni slices that are large, feel free to cut them in half or quarters. (This is my go-to for pepperoni)
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese pearls, tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and olives. Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and give it a good toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Serve or Store: You can serve the salad immediately, but for even more flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for 2-3 hours. This allows the dressing to meld with the pasta and vegetables. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

The Best Zesty Italian Dressings

A good Italian pasta salad is only as good as its dressing. For this recipe, you’ll want a dressing that’s bold and zesty to bring out the flavors of the fresh vegetables, pepperoni, and mozzarella. Some store-bought Italian dressings known for their zesty flavor include:

• Ken’s Steakhouse Zesty Italian Dressing: A favorite for its robust and tangy flavor.
• Wish-Bone Zesty Robusto Italian Dressing: This dressing is a classic choice for its perfect balance of spices and vinegar.

If you prefer to make your own dressing, I recommend trying this Homemade Zesty Italian Dressing recipe. It’s easy to whip up and uses simple ingredients like olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a bold blend of flavors.

Customizing Your Pasta Salad

The beauty of this Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite meats, veggies, and cheeses. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Additional Meats:

• Salami
• Prosciutto
• Grilled chicken, all chopped into bite-sized pieces!

Vegetables:

• Red bell pepper or banana peppers for extra crunch and color
• Kalamata olives for a briny twist
• Green olives for a different flavor profile

Cheeses:

• Parmesan cheese for a nutty, salty kick
• Fresh mozzarella instead of pearls for a creamier texture
• Cheddar cheese for a sharp contrast

Feel free to experiment with different combinations to make the salad your own. The key is to balance the flavors so that each bite is a delightful mix of zesty, savory, and fresh.

Side Dishes to Serve with Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

This pasta salad pairs well with a variety of main dishes, making it the perfect side for any meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside your Zesty Italian Pasta Salad:

• Grilled Chicken: The smokiness of grilled chicken complements the zesty flavors of the pasta salad. (Use the grilled chicken in this recipe!)
• BBQ Ribs: The bold flavors of BBQ ribs make for a hearty meal when paired with this light and fresh salad. (Here is my personal favorite slow cooker rib recipe!)
• Garlic Bread: Add a side of garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: For a light and refreshing contrast, serve a simple fruit salad on the side.

More Side Dishes You’ll Love

• Broccoli Cheese and Rice Casserole
• 20 Minute Balsamic Caprese Bruschetta Recipe
• Easy Mexican Corn Dip (Serve Hot or Cold)

Italian Pasta Salad Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
  • Yes! This pasta salad can be made up to a day in advance. In fact, allowing it to marinate in the fridge for a few hours or overnight will enhance the flavors.
• What’s the best way to store leftovers?
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Before serving again, give the salad a good toss and add more dressing if needed.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?
  • Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for holding onto the dressing, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, or fusilli.
• How can I make this salad vegetarian?
  • To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the pepperoni and add more veggies or a vegetarian protein like chickpeas or tofu.

This Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or when you need a dish that can easily be prepared ahead of time. Whether you’re making it for your family or bringing it to a party, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

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