Pioneer Woman Italian Pasta Salad

This delicious Pioneer Woman Italian Pasta Salad is a quick and easy dish perfect for any occasion. Packed with creamy mozzarella, tangy pesto dressing, and fresh veggies, it’s a flavorful, nutritious meal. Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have on hand for a customizable and satisfying dish!

Ingredients Needed

For the Dressing:

• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup pesto
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

For the Pasta Salad:

• 1 lb rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups diced salami
• 8 oz mozzarella pearls
• 1 cup sliced black olives
• 1 cup thinly sliced baby bell peppers
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving

How To Make Italian Pasta Salad

1. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, pesto, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the olive oil while whisking constantly until the dressing is fully combined. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, add the cooked rotini pasta. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced salami, mozzarella pearls, sliced black olives, bell peppers, red onion, grated Parmesan, kosher salt, fresh basil, and parsley.
3. Combine and Serve: Whisk the dressing again and pour it over the pasta mixture. Stir well to coat everything. Just before serving, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, basil, and parsley, if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Pasta: For the best texture and flavor, opt for fresh pasta rather than dried pasta. It holds up better in the salad and absorbs the dressing more effectively.
• Chill the Pasta: Let the cooked pasta cool before adding the ingredients. Chilled pasta helps the salad stay fresh and prevents the dressing from becoming too runny.
• Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap veggies based on your preference. You can add cucumbers, cherry peppers, or even roasted veggies for a unique twist.
• Make it Ahead: This pasta salad tastes even better when it sits for a few hours or overnight. The flavors meld together and develop a richer taste.
• Add Extra Flavor: For an extra kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar on top right before serving.

How To Store Leftovers

Transfer Leftover pasta salad to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 150g)

• Calories: 317 kcal
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 505mg
• Potassium: 193mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 31g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 4g

More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
• Pioneer Woman Tortellini Pasta Salad​
• Pioneer Woman Greek Pasta Salad
• Pioneer Woman Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
• Pioneer Woman Smoked Gouda Pasta Salad