Description
Indulge in a vibrant Italian Pasta Salad that captures the essence of fresh flavors and seasonal ingredients. This delightful dish is perfect for picnics, family gatherings, or simple weeknight dinners. With tender rotini pasta tossed with savory turkey slices, colorful bell peppers, juicy grape tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella pearls, each bite is a burst of taste. Enhanced by a zesty homemade Italian dressing made from olive oil and lemon juice, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or protein to make it your own. Enjoy this refreshing dish chilled or at room temperature for an easy meal option any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 16 oz dry rotini pasta
- 10 oz hard turkey slices
- 3 cups grape tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can black olives
- 2 cups chopped bell peppers
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
- Homemade Italian dressing (olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, dijon mustard, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper)
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool on a baking sheet.
- While pasta cools, chop turkey slices, tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, mozzarella pearls, parsley, and basil.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with turkey and chopped ingredients.
- Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss well. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1–2 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute turkey with grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein. Add more vegetables like cucumbers or artichokes for extra color and flavor.