Italian Pasta Salad With Salami
A vibrant and flavorful Italian pasta salad featuring fresh peppers, salami, and mozzarella, tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing. Perfect for picnics, parties, or casual gatherings, this dish combines savory, tangy, and herbaceous notes for a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make appetizer or side.
Ingredients
- 1 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 cup parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1 to 2 teaspoons dried basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper ⓘ
- 1 large red pepper
- 1 large yellow pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 pound Genoa salami ⓘ
- 1 stick pepperoni
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 pound rotelle macaroni ⓘ
- 4 ounces pitted small black olives ⓘ
Instructions
- In a shaker or jar, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley flakes, dried basil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Cook the rotelle macaroni according to package directions; drain, rinse in cold water, and drain again.
- Seed and chop green, red, and yellow peppers into small chunks.
- Cut salami into cubes; slice pepperoni lengthwise, then crosswise into thin slices.
- Cut mozzarella cheese into bite-sized cubes.
- Combine cooked macaroni, peppers, salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, and black olives in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a zesty kick, consider adding a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the dressing. You can substitute the Genoa salami with peppered turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the flavor profile if you have them on hand. Feel free to customize your vegetables; artichokes or cherry tomatoes can also be delicious additions.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with Peppy Lasagna for a delightful meal. It can be served as a side dish at barbecues or picnics, and is also perfect for potlucks. For added protein, serve it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp. A light white wine also complements the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together even more after a day. To refresh the salad before serving, you can toss in a little extra olive oil or lemon juice. Avoid reheating as this dish is best served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Pasta Salad With Salami contains roughly 714 calories, with 9g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1324mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta salad can be made a day in advance. Just prepare the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp. Chilling it in the refrigerator will actually enhance the flavors.
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
If you prefer a different cheese, try using provolone or feta for a tangy twist. Vegan cheese options are also available if you're looking for a dairy-free alternative. Just ensure the cheese you choose complements the other flavors in the salad.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can omit the salami and pepperoni, and add more vegetables like cucumbers, artichokes, or even chickpeas for protein. This will keep the salad hearty and satisfying while maintaining its Italian theme.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).