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ULTIMATE Creamy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

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ULTIMATE Creamy Italian Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleasing side dish inspired by the flavors of an Italian sub, perfect for BBQs and gatherings. Featuring rotini pasta tossed with a creamy Italian dressing made by whisking mayonnaise into Italian dressing, this salad combines smoked turkey, pepperoni, Colby Jack cheese, olives, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and optional banana peppers for a bold and satisfying flavor experience.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 box Rotini Pasta (cooked & cooled)
  • 1 cup Smoked Turkey (cubed)
  • 1 cup Pepperoni (mini or chopped)
  • 1 block Colby Jack Cheese (cubed, approximately 8 oz)
  • 1 can Sliced Black Olives (about 3.8 oz)
  • 1/2 Red Onion (diced)
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
  • 1/2 cup Banana Peppers (optional, sliced)
  • Optional: Chopped Iceberg Lettuce (for serving)

Dressing

  • 1 cup Italian Dressing (recommend Olive Garden brand)
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down completely.
  2. Prepare Ingredients: While the pasta cooks, cubed the smoked turkey and Colby Jack cheese. Chop the pepperoni if using larger slices. Dice the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice banana peppers if using. Drain the sliced black olives.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing and mayonnaise until the mixture is smooth and emulsified, creating a creamy dressing.
  4. Combine Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled rotini pasta along with the smoked turkey, pepperoni, cheese, olives, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and banana peppers if using.
  5. Toss the Salad: Drizzle the creamy Italian dressing over the pasta salad and toss thoroughly so every piece of pasta and ingredient is evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.

Notes

  • For best flavor, allow the salad to chill for at least an hour before serving.
  • This salad can be made a day ahead for convenience; just stir gently before serving.
  • Feel free to double the recipe as it is a popular dish that disappears quickly at gatherings.
  • Banana peppers add a nice zing but can be omitted if you prefer less heat.
  • Optional chopped iceberg lettuce can be added just before serving for extra crunch and freshness.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/ultimate-creamy-italian-pasta-salad/