How long does Italian pasta salad last?
Italian pasta salad lasts for four days in the refrigerator. The pasta will soak in the dressing as it sits, so you may want to toss the salad with a little extra dressing to revive its original texture.
Can you make Italian pasta salad ahead of time?
Italian pasta salad is one of those recipes that almost tastes better if you make it ahead of time. Chilling the ingredients in the refrigerator gives them time to meld and come together, making the salad taste more seasoned overall.
Italian Pasta Salad Tips
Does pasta need to be cooled before making pasta salad?
Pasta should be fully cooled before it’s tossed with the remaining pasta salad ingredients. This is especially important when the recipe includes cheese, which can melt from the ambient heat. After draining the pasta, rinse it under cold water to help cool it more quickly.
What do you serve with Italian pasta salad?
Italian pasta salad can be an all-in-one meal since it contains a starch, vegetables and meats, so feel free to serve it on its own as a main. This Italian pasta salad recipe is also one of our favorite office potluck recipes because it pairs well with everything. Serve it with sandwiches, grilled chicken or a roasted vegetable platter.
Watch How to Make Italian Pasta Salad with Salami
Ingredients
2 cups uncooked small pasta shells or rotini
3/4 cup chopped green pepper
3/4 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
1/2 cup cubed hard salami
1/2 cup whole ripe olives, quartered
2 ounces provolone cheese, cubed
1/3 cup chopped onion
dressing:
1/3 cup canola oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Directions
1
Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large bowl; add the green pepper, tomatoes, pepperoni, salami, olives, cheese and onion.
2
In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Pour over pasta mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
Nutrition Facts
3/4 cup: 273 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 817mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
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