# Classic Italian Pasta Salad

This Classic Italian Pasta Salad is a quick and easy side dish that's full of veggies and flavor!

- Servings: 12 servings
- Total time: 35 min
- Cuisine: Italian
- Category: Salad
- Language: en

## Ingredients

- 1 lb tri colored rotini pasta, uncooked
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 cup broccoli, cut into small pieces
- 1.5 cups English cucumber, cut into half circles
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 6 oz black olives, sliced
- 0.5 cup purple onion, diced
- 1 cup pepperoni, sliced (quartered)
- 1.5 cup Italian salad dressing (*see notes)
- 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 0.25 cup red wine vinegar
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 3 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp freshly chopped curly leaf parsley
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

## Instructions

1. Boil pasta; add broccoli during last 2 minutes; cool under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine cucumber, bell pepper, olives, onion, pepperoni.
3. Add pasta and broccoli; stir.
4. Pour in dressing; toss to coat.
5. Cover and chill until ready to serve; toss again before serving

## Equipment

- large pot
- colander
- large bowl
- mason jar (optional)

## Tips

- Cooking the broccoli with the pasta makes it easier to digest.
- Chop the purple onion small to avoid large mouthfuls of raw onion.
- Use leftover veggies to add variety.
- Add cubed or shredded cheese.
- Add grilled chicken to make it a full meal.
- Substitute pasta shape as desired.
- Homemade Italian dressing is easy to make, or use store-bought.
- Pasta salad lasts 3-5 days refrigerated; cheese shortens shelf life

## Source

- Original video: https://www.iwashyoudry.com/classic-italian-pasta-salad/?m
- Recipe page: https://www.cliprecipe.com/recipe/ba12775e-1a13-4b74-a069-848700ca97bf
- Extracted: 2025-02-06

Extracted from the video by Clip Recipe (https://www.cliprecipe.com). Quantities and steps are as stated or shown in the video. Site guide for agents: https://www.cliprecipe.com/llms.txt