Description
This deli style pasta salad is fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor. Made with pasta, crisp vegetables, and a tangy Italian dressing, it’s the perfect easy side dish for summer cookouts, BBQs, and parties.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta Salad
- 1 lb shell pasta
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups matchstick carrots
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 English cucumber, chopped
- 1 can sliced black olives, drained
- 1 cup mini pepperoni
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
For the Dressing
- ½ cup Italian dressing
- ½ cup balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled.
- While pasta cooks, chop tomatoes, cucumber, spinach, and red onion. Add all vegetables to a large bowl.
- Add cooled pasta, olives, pepperoni, and parmesan cheese to the bowl.
- Pour in Italian dressing and balsamic vinaigrette. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Toss again before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- Chill time helps the flavors fully develop
- Add dressing gradually to avoid overdressing
- Chop ingredients small for classic deli-style texture
- Refresh with extra dressing before serving if needed
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Chill Time: 30 MINS
- Cook Time: 10 MINUTES
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, SIDE DISH | PASTA SALAD
- Cuisine: American, AMERICAN | BBQ | SUMMER