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–+ servings
Melany

Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe is a must-try dish!

This vibrant Italian Pasta Salad is a bold, flavor-packed dish loaded with tender rotini pasta, savory meats, fresh vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and a homemade zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and easy make-ahead lunches—every bite bursts with classic Italian flavors and texture.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb rotini pasta3.5 to 4 oz pepperoni quartered (about ¾ cup)4 oz sliced salami, quartered (about ¾ cup)1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved1 cup black olives, drained and halved1 orange bell pepper, chopped1 green bell pepper, chopped½ cup finely diced red onion2 tablespoons chopped pepperoncini8 oz mozzarella pearlsFreshly grated Parmesan, for garnishFresh parsley, for garnish
  •  
  • Zesty Italian Dressing½ cup extra virgin olive oil¼ cup red wine vinegar1 tablespoon lemon juice¼ cup finely grated Parmesan1 teaspoon sugar½ teaspoon garlic powder½ teaspoon onion powder1 teaspoon dried parsley1 teaspoon dried basil1 teaspoon dried oregano¼ teaspoon paprikaSalt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. In a mason jar or mixing bowl, whisk or shake all dressing ingredients together until well blended. Taste and adjust—add sugar to mellow the tang, more vinegar for acidity, or olive oil for smoothness.
  2. Cook rotini pasta in generously salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl.
  3. While the pasta is still warm, pour in HALF of the prepared dressing and toss to coat evenly. This helps the pasta soak up flavor.
  4. Add pepperoni, salami, tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, red onion, pepperoncini, and mozzarella pearls to the bowl. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. Keep the remaining dressing chilled separately.
  6.  
  7. Before serving, toss the salad with the rest of the dressing and top with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan.

Notes

  • This salad tastes even better after sitting, as the flavors deepen—perfect for meal prep or next-day serving.
  • You can swap the meat for grilled chicken or omit it for a vegetarian version.
  • Add artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or cucumber for extra flair.
 
  • For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan in the dressing for that authentic Italian tang.

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