Name: Awesome Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (16 ounce) package fusilli (spiral) pasta; 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ pound provolone cheese, cubed; ½ pound salami, cubed; ¼ pound sliced pepperoni, cut in half; 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 (10 ounce) can black olives, drained; 1 (4 ounce) jar pimentos, drained; 1 (8 ounce) bottle Italian salad dressing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta salad is bold and satisfying, combining savory salami, pepperoni, and provolone with fresh veggies and a tangy dressing. It’s easy to prepare in large batches, customizable with your favorite ingredients, and tastes even better after chilling as the flavors meld together. Whether for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 (16 ounce) package fusilli (spiral) pasta
3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
½ pound provolone cheese, cubed
½ pound salami, cubed
¼ pound sliced pepperoni, cut in half
1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 (10 ounce) can black olives, drained
1 (4 ounce) jar pimentos, drained
1 (8 ounce) bottle Italian salad dressing

Directions

Cook fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, provolone cheese, salami, pepperoni, green bell pepper, black olives, and pimentos.
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and toss gently to mix.
Pour the Italian salad dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Swap fusilli with rotini, penne, or farfalle for a different pasta shape.
Add red onions, cucumbers, or banana peppers for extra crunch.
Use mozzarella cubes instead of provolone for a milder flavor.
Substitute turkey pepperoni or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
Make it vegetarian by skipping the meats and adding more veggies.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle. This pasta salad is best served cold and should not be reheated.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad a day ahead?

Yes, it’s even better after chilling overnight as the flavors meld.

What type of pasta works best?

Fusilli or rotini work well because their spirals hold onto the dressing.

Can I use homemade dressing instead of bottled?

Absolutely, a mix of olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs works great.

How do I keep pasta salad from drying out?

Reserve a little dressing to stir in just before serving.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, bell peppers, cucumbers, or zucchini are excellent additions.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, it stores well in the fridge and makes great leftovers.

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, mozzarella, cheddar, or even feta can be used in place of provolone.

What protein pairs well with this salad?

Grilled chicken or shrimp can make it even more filling.

How long can pasta salad sit out?

No more than 2 hours, or 1 hour in hot weather, to keep it safe.

Can I freeze pasta salad?

It’s not recommended, as the texture of pasta and dressing changes after freezing.

Conclusion

Awesome Pasta Salad lives up to its name with a delicious blend of pasta, meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables tossed in zesty Italian dressing. It’s simple to prepare, makes a large batch for sharing, and tastes even better after chilling. Whether for a picnic, potluck, or easy weeknight dinner, this pasta salad is sure to become a favorite.