Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is an easy and flavorful recipe, which is made with diced salami and fresh mozzarella pearls. It’s the perfect side dish for a potluck, ready in about 25 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Italian Pasta Salad Recipe Ingredients
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 pt. 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 Pioneer Woman Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, whisk or shake together the vinegar, pesto, garlic, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the olive oil, whisking or shaking constantly, until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
- Combine the salad: In a large serving bowl, add the cooked pasta, tomatoes, salami, mozzarella, olives, bell peppers, onion, parmesan cheese, salt, basil, and parsley.
- Dress and serve: Whisk the dressing once more, then pour it over the salad and stir gently to combine. Just before serving, sprinkle with more parmesan, basil, and parsley if you like.
Recipe Tips
- How to keep pasta salad from getting dry? If making the salad more than a few hours in advance, reserve about a quarter of the dressing and toss it in just before serving to freshen it up and add moisture.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this salad is great for making ahead. For the best texture, you can store the dressing, cooked pasta, and chopped ingredients in separate containers in the fridge and toss everything together before serving.
- What’s the best pasta for this salad? A pasta with plenty of nooks and crannies to hold the dressing is ideal. Rotini is a great choice, but fusilli, penne, or bow ties would also work well.
- Why rinse the pasta with cold water? Rinsing the pasta for a cold salad is crucial. It stops the cooking process immediately to prevent it from getting mushy, and it cools the pasta down so it doesn’t melt the cheese or wilt the fresh herbs.
What To Serve With Italian Pasta Salad
This hearty salad is a fantastic side dish for any summer meal or potluck.
- Grilled Chicken or Italian Sausages
- Crusty Garlic Bread
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Caprese Skewers
How To Store Italian Pasta Salad
- Refrigerate: Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days, though the pasta may absorb more dressing over time.
Italian Pasta Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 16g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the salami. You can add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or some chopped artichoke hearts to make it heartier.
Can I use a different kind of meat?
Yes, diced pepperoni, ham, or even shredded rotisserie chicken would be delicious substitutes for the salami.
What is pesto?
Pesto is a classic Italian sauce traditionally made from fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Using it in the dressing adds a huge boost of fresh, herby flavor.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe
Pioneer Woman Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Description
A vibrant and flavor-packed Italian pasta salad loaded with salami, fresh mozzarella, and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a zesty pesto vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Whisk all dressing ingredients together in a small bowl until emulsified.
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water until cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with all the remaining salad ingredients.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently to coat everything and serve, garnished with extra Parmesan and herbs.
Notes
- u003cliu003eRinsing the pasta in cold water is a key step to cool it down and stop the cooking process.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the best flavor, use fresh mozzarella pearls, which you can find in the specialty cheese section of most grocery stores.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis is a perfect make-ahead salad for a crowd, as the flavors get even better as it sits.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe pesto in the dressing is the secret ingredient that makes this pasta salad extra flavorful.u003c/liu003e
