Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
A vibrant and flavorful Italian Pasta Salad combining al dente bowtie pasta with savory Italian salami, fresh cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, tangy roasted red peppers, and creamy colby jack and parmesan cheeses. Tossed in a zesty Italian dressing with a hint of hot sauce, this salad is perfect for a refreshing lunch or a delightful summer side dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Pasta & Dressing
- 1 pound bowtie pasta or other similar shaped pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 16-ounce bottle Italian dressing
- Dash of hot sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Meat
- 6 ounces Italian salami, sliced into strips or diced
Vegetables
- 12 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ of a medium red onion, diced small
- 1 12-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained and diced
- 1 small English cucumber, diced
Cheese
- 8 ounces colby jack cheese, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and toss well to coat the pasta and prevent sticking. Let the pasta chill and cool.
- Combine Ingredients: To the cooled pasta, add the sliced or diced Italian salami, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, drained and diced roasted red peppers, diced English cucumber, colby jack cheese cubes, and finely shredded parmesan cheese. Pour the entire bottle of Italian dressing over the mixture along with a dash of hot sauce.
- Toss and Season: Using a silicone spatula or large spoon, toss all ingredients together thoroughly to evenly distribute the dressing and mix the flavors. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the pasta salad immediately for a fresh, vibrant dish, or cover and refrigerate it for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld. Ideal for lunch, picnics, or as a delicious summer side.
Notes
- Use bowtie pasta or other similarly shaped pasta like rotini or penne for best texture and dressing adhesion.
- Rinsing the pasta under cold water stops cooking and prevents clumping.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your spice preference.
- Italian dressing can be homemade or store-bought depending on your preference.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
Find it online: https://zaracooking.com/italian-pasta-salad-recipe/
