Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Italian Pasta Salad Recipe combines tender pasta, shredded chicken, turkey salami, fresh vegetables, Parmesan cheese, and a tangy homemade Italian dressing. A refreshing meal perfect for picnics, meal prep, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 3 cups uncooked rotini or small shell pasta
- 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
- ½ cup turkey salami thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
- ½ cup black olives halved
- ½ cup roasted red bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup chopped English cucumber
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Italian Dressing
- ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, Italian seasoning, sugar, olive oil, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Shake well until smooth. Refrigerate while preparing the salad.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water for about 20 seconds. Drain well.
- While the pasta cools, chop the chicken, turkey salami, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, cucumber, parsley, olives, and red onion.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, turkey salami, vegetables, parsley, olives, and Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
- Refrigerate the Italian Pasta Salad Recipe for at least 10 minutes before serving.
- Toss once more before serving and enjoy chilled.
Notes
- Turkey salami keeps this recipe halal-friendly while adding classic Italian flavor.
- Mozzarella pearls are a delicious addition.
- Chickpeas can be added for extra protein and texture.
- This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours