Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is loaded with rotini, summer sausage, fresh vegetables, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a flavorful Italian dressing. It’s colorful, hearty, and packed with flavor in every bite.
I like this pasta salad for cookouts, parties, and family gatherings because you can make it ahead and keep it chilled until you’re ready to eat.
Why I Love Zesty Pasta Salad
About the Ingredients ⭐
- Rotini Pasta: Garden rotini adds color and holds onto the dressing.
- Summer Sausage: You can also use salami.
- Fresh Vegetables: Grape tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and green, red, and yellow bell peppers add plenty of crunch.
- Black Olives: Add a salty, savory flavor.
- Mozzarella: Mozzarella pearls work perfectly, or use cubed mozzarella.
- Parmesan: Adds extra cheesy flavor.
- Parsley: Adds a fresh finish.
- Zesty Italian Dressing: Use your favorite bottled dressing or homemade Italian dressing.
- Salt & Pepper: Season to taste.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
How to Make Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
Cook the Pasta: Cook the rotini according to the package directions, or about 1 minute less for a firmer texture. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Add the Mix-Ins: Add the chopped vegetables, summer sausage, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley to the cooled pasta.
Add the Dressing: Pour the zesty Italian dressing over everything and gently toss until evenly coated.
Chill and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips I Found Helpful 💙
- Cook the pasta about 1 minute less so it stays firm in the salad.
- Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking.
- Make sure the pasta is cooled before adding the remaining ingredients.
- Give the salad another toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Questions Readers Ask Most
Can I make Italian pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes. This pasta salad is great made ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use salami instead of summer sausage?
Yes. Salami works great in place of the summer sausage.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes. Any short pasta will work, but rotini is especially good because the dressing gets into all the twists.
Why does my pasta salad get dry in the refrigerator?
The pasta can absorb some of the dressing as it sits. Give it a good stir before serving and add a little more Italian dressing if needed.
How do I store leftover Italian pasta salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
“loved this pasta salad with perfect zesty bite!”
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Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is loaded with pasta, summer sausage, fresh vegetables, mozzarella, Parmesan, and zesty Italian dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 10 ounces summer sausage or salami, cut into small cubes
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 (3.8 ounce)can black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced small
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup Zesty Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the colored pasta according to package directions. You can cook the pasta it for one minute less than the directions say for best results.
- Drain and run under cold water to stop the cooking and cool quickly.
- Have all the vegetables, meat and cheese cut and add to the cooled pasta.
- Toss in a large bowl to combine.
- Pour the homemade italian dressing over the pasta and gently stir.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Keep refrigerated till ready to serve.
Notes
The pasta will absorb some of the dressing as it chills. Toss before serving and add a little extra Italian dressing if needed.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 293Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 769mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 13g
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