Classic Italian Pasta Salad
Italian pasta salad is one of the most popular make-ahead salads for picnics, potlucks and family dinners. Rotini pasta is tossed with pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, fresh vegetables and Italian dressing for a colorful side dish that's easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup pepperoni slices, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Cook the rotini according to the package directions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water and allow it to cool completely.
- Place the cooled pasta into a large serving bowl.
- Add the pepperoni, mozzarella, tomatoes, cucumber, olives and red onion.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning over the salad.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Toss again just before serving and season with salt and pepper if needed.
Kid Chef Tip
After the pasta has cooled, let kids add the vegetables, cheese and pepperoni before gently tossing everything together. It's an easy recipe that helps children practice measuring, chopping and mixing skills.
Easy Variations
- Replace the pepperoni with diced salami or cooked grilled chicken.
- Add colorful bell peppers, broccoli florets or pepperoncini peppers.
- Use feta or provolone cheese instead of mozzarella.
- Stir in chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving.
- Add chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
Recipe, image, and content from
Kids-Cooking-Activities.com