Pasta Salad with Zesty Italian Dressing

Square feature top down image of keto italian salad served in a white bowl with a spoon

Pasta Salad with Zesty Italian Dressing

This zesty Italian pasta salad is loaded with pepperoni, mozzarella, olives, and fresh basil tossed in bold Italian dressing. Make it with bowtie pasta for a classic version or swap in cauliflower for a lighter twist. It’s fresh, flavorful, and perfect for potlucks, cookouts, and easy make-ahead meals.

4.24 from 13 votes

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Author Kori Butler

Prep Time 15

Total Time 2 15

Course Salads

Cuisine American | Italian

Servings servings

Calories 264 kcal

Ingredients

▢ 4 cups of bow tie pasta or cauliflower florets cut into 1" pieces
▢ 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
▢ 1 cup mozzarella cubes
▢ 1 cup black olives pitted
▢ 1 cup pepperoni minis
▢ ½ cup green bell pepper diced
▢ ½ to 1 cup Seeking Good Eat's Zesty Italian Dressing or store-bought
▢ 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
▢ Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and then rinse with cold water.
If you're using cauliflower, cut into 1" pieces and steam, covered, in the microwave with ¼ cup water for 3 to 4 minutes or until crisp-tender. You do not want the cauliflower too soft, or it will fall apart in the salad. Drain and then rinse with cold water.
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. NOTE: if using cauliflower you will need only ½ cup Italian dressing. Use 1 cup if you use pasta) Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Adjust salt and pepper to taste, add more dressing if needed. Serve and enjoy

Video

Kori's Tips

Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes that can be found in our post. Check it out!

TOP TIP: If using cauliflower, only cook to crisp-tender. If the florets are too soft, they'll fall apart in the salad.

SUBSTITUTIONS: Feel free to add or remove any of the vegetables, cheese, or salami according to your tastes.

SERVING SUGGESTION: I think the best salad to serve with Italian pasta salad is a fresh green salad or our Overnight Layered Salad. Serve as a side dish with grilled or baked chicken, beef, pork, or fish.

NOTE: Nutrition analysis below was calculated using with cauliflower and our sugar free zesty italian dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 264kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 11.6gFat: 22.2gCholesterol: 30.4mgSodium: 732.9mgFiber: 2.4gSugar: 2g

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