Simple Italian Pasta Salad is a delightful and refreshing side dish that combines cooked pasta with a variety of fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing. This classic Italian pasta recipe is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for any occasion. With its vibrant colors and flavors, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
– 16 oz tricolor rotini or fusilli– 1 0.7 oz package, dry Italian dressing mix– 1-2 cups bottled Italian dressing– 8-10 oz hard salami, chopped– 3.8 oz black olives, sliced– 1 red bell pepper, diced– 1/2 cup red onion, diced– 8 oz cheese, cubed (pepper jack or mozzarella)– 12 oz pepperoncini
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down.
Chill and marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to meld together. You can also leave it overnight for even better flavor development. Serve and enjoy!