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–+ servings

Classic Italian Pasta Salad - Perfect for Summer Gatherings

This vibrant pasta salad combines spiral pasta with pepperoni, salami, provolone cheese, colorful bell peppers, and olives, all tossed in a tangy Italian dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, and summer barbecues!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 247
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 1 16 ounce package fusilli (spiral) pasta
  • 8 ounces pepperoni sliced and quartered
  • 8 ounces salami chopped
  • 8 ounces provolone cheese cubed
  • 1 large red bell pepper seeded and diced
  • 1 small green bell pepper seeded and diced
  • 1 small yellow bell pepper seeded and diced (optional)
  • 1 cup black olives sliced
  • 1 16 ounce bottle Italian dressing
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add fusilli pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente (firm to the bite). Do not overcook.
  2. Drain pasta thoroughly in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  3. Transfer cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
  4. Add the quartered pepperoni slices, chopped salami, and cubed provolone cheese to the bowl.
  5. Add the diced bell peppers and sliced black olives.
  6. Pour Italian dressing over the mixture, starting with about ¾ of the bottle. Reserve the rest to add before serving if needed.
  7. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder.
  8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  9. Toss everything together gently until well combined and all ingredients are coated with dressing.
  10. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to blend.
  11. Before serving, give the pasta salad a good stir and add additional dressing if it seems dry.

Nutrition

Calories: 247kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 10gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 759mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g
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