Pasta Salad with Zesty Italian Dressing (Two Ways)
This zesty Italian pasta salad is made with crisp-tender cauliflower, pepperoni, mozzarella, olives, and fresh basil tossed in bold Italian dressing, so it's low carb and keto-friendly. Prefer the classic? Use bowtie pasta instead. It's fresh, flavorful, and perfect for potlucks, cookouts, and easy make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cauliflower florets or bow tie pasta cut cauliflower 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
- Cut the cauliflower into 1" pieces and steam, covered, in the microwave with ¼ cup water for 3 to 4 minutes, just until crisp-tender. You don't want it too soft, or it will fall apart in the salad. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Using pasta instead? Cook it according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Use ½ cup Italian dressing with cauliflower, or 1 cup with 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
For more helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes check out my post above.
TIPS: Cook the cauliflower only to crisp-tender. If the florets are too soft, they'll fall apart in the salad. Nutrition is calculated with cauliflower (about 4g net carbs per serving) and my sugar-free zesty Italian dressing. Made with pasta, each serving is about 357 calories and 24.7g carbs (about 22g net).
VARIATIONS: For a classic pasta salad, use 4 cups of cooked bowtie pasta and 1 cup of dressing. Serve it with grilled or baked chicken, beef, pork, or fish, or alongside my Overnight Layered Salad.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Add or swap any of the vegetables, cheese, or pepperoni to suit your taste.
Nutrition
Calories: 264kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 11.6gFat: 22.2gCholesterol: 30.4mgSodium: 732.9mgFiber: 2.4gSugar: 2g
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