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Easy Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.2 from 3 reviews

This Easy Pasta Salad is a quick and delicious dish perfect for gatherings and meal prep. Featuring penne pasta tossed with Italian salami, Monterey Jack cheese, fresh cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, black olives, and a zesty Italian vinaigrette, this salad offers a balance of savory, fresh, and tangy flavors. Ready in just 22 minutes and serving 10, it’s an ideal cold salad to enjoy as a side or light main course.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 16 ounces penne pasta (or rigatoni)
  • 1 1/2 cups Italian salami, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, cubed
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 1/2 cups English cucumber, sliced and quartered
  • 8 ounces black olives, sliced

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup Italian vinaigrette dressing (plus up to 3/4 cup depending on preference)
  • 1 tablespoon dry Italian-style salad dressing mix (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Prepare the penne pasta according to the package directions, typically boiling for about 10-12 minutes until al dente.
  2. Cool the pasta: Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles completely.
  3. Combine pasta and ingredients: Transfer the cooled pasta into a large mixing bowl.
  4. Prepare salad components: Cut the Italian salami, Monterey Jack cheese, quarter the cherry tomatoes, and slice and quarter the English cucumber. Add these to the bowl with the pasta.
  5. Add olives: Add the sliced black olives on top of the combined ingredients in the bowl.
  6. Toss with dressing: Pour 1/2 cup of Italian vinaigrette dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients. If desired, add the optional dry Italian-style salad dressing mix along with the vinaigrette. Add more dressing in 1/4 cup increments to taste.

Notes

  • For best results, chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the salami and consider adding extra vegetables or plant-based protein.
  • The optional dry Italian-style salad dressing mix adds a deeper herb flavor but is not necessary.
  • You can substitute the Monterey Jack cheese with mozzarella or cheddar if preferred.
  • Adjust the amount of dressing according to your taste preference to avoid soggy salad.

Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/easy-pasta-salad-recipe/