![- 8 oz tri-color rotini pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, chopped - 1/2 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup salami, cubed - 1 cup pepperoni slices - 1/2 cup provolone cheese, cubed - 1/2 cup olives (black or green), sliced - 1/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish When I make Italian Sub Pasta Salad, I always start with fresh ingredients. The tri-color rotini pasta brings a fun twist with its bright colors. I love to use cherry tomatoes because they add a burst of sweetness. Chopping cucumbers adds a nice crunch, while bell peppers give it a sweet, juicy bite. Red onion adds a bit of zing, which I find delicious. For the protein, I choose salami and pepperoni. They give the salad that classic Italian sub flavor. Provolone cheese adds creaminess and richness. I usually opt for black olives, but green olives also work well. The dressing is key. A good Italian dressing ties all the flavors together. For seasoning, I use salt and pepper. Fresh basil leaves are a must for garnish. They add a lovely aroma and a pop of color. This mix of ingredients makes the salad tasty and colorful. You can find the full recipe above to guide you through the steps. - Calories: 320 - Protein: 12g - Carbohydrates: 28g - Fats: 18g This pasta salad is not just pretty; it's also filling. Each serving gives you a good balance of energy and taste. You get protein from the meats and cheese. Carbs come from the pasta, which is great for a meal. The fats from the cheese and olives help keep you satisfied. Enjoy this salad on a hot day or as a side dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser! First, cook the tri-color rotini pasta. Boil a large pot of water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Then, pour in the pasta. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes, or until it's al dente. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. Once it's done, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water for a few minutes. This helps cool the pasta and stops the cooking process. Now, let’s chop the veggies and meat. Start with the cherry tomatoes; simply cut them in half. Next, chop the cucumber into small pieces. Dice the bell pepper and finely chop the red onion. For the meats, cube the salami and slice the pepperoni. Mix all these ingredients in a large bowl. This step is key for a balanced flavor in your salad. In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing and olive oil. This helps blend the flavors well. Once mixed, drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad. Toss everything gently to combine. Make sure every piece is coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld. For the final touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your vibrant Italian Sub Pasta Salad! When making Italian Sub Pasta Salad, cooking the pasta al dente is key. Al dente means "to the tooth." It gives the pasta a nice bite and keeps it from getting mushy. Follow the package instructions, but test it a minute early. Then, rinse the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down fast. Chilling time is also important for flavor. After mixing everything, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and makes each bite taste great. To make your salad even better, consider adding artichokes or fresh herbs. Fresh basil or parsley can add color and taste. You can also play with the seasonings. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. If you want more zing, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to the dressing. Serve this pasta salad in a big, colorful bowl. It looks great and is easy for guests to help themselves. You can also pair it with grilled chicken or garlic bread for a full meal. This salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family dinners. Enjoy every bite! For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta type for fun. Try penne or fusilli. Each shape adds a different texture. For a vegetarian version, replace meat with more veggies. Add chickpeas or artichokes for protein. You can even use tofu for a plant-based touch. Homemade dressing is simple and tasty. Mix olive oil, vinegar, and your choice of herbs. This way, you control the flavor. You can also customize the spices. Try adding garlic powder or crushed red pepper for a kick. Experiment to find a mix you love. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great choices that taste similar. For low-fat substitutes, replace salami and pepperoni with turkey versions. You can also use low-fat cheese. These swaps help keep it delicious while being mindful of health. For the complete recipe, check [Full Recipe]. To keep your Italian Sub Pasta Salad fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work great. Make sure to seal it tightly to avoid air exposure. This helps retain the salad's vibrant colors and flavors. You should store the pasta salad in the fridge. It will stay crisp and tasty if you follow these steps. Keep your pasta salad in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the flavors and textures may change. Look for signs of spoilage like a sour smell or slimy texture. If you see these signs, it’s best to toss it out. Trust me; you want to enjoy this dish at its best! Can it be frozen? Yes, but it may change in texture. Freezing alters the pasta and veggies. If you want to freeze it, do so without the dressing. Pack the salad in a freezer-safe container. When you thaw it, add fresh dressing to revive its flavor. Thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best results. Enjoy your pasta salad anytime with these storage tips! To make Italian Sub Pasta Salad, start by cooking the tri-color rotini pasta. Follow the package instructions until it's al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, and olives. For the dressing, whisk together the Italian dressing and olive oil in a small bowl. Drizzle this over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill the pasta salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The flavors will blend beautifully. For the full recipe, check out the section above. Yes, you can make this pasta salad ahead of time. I recommend preparing it a few hours in advance. This gives the flavors time to meld together. If you want to make it the night before, that works too. Just make sure to cover it well in the fridge. If you want to switch up the dressing, there are great options. You can use a vinaigrette or a creamy dressing if you prefer. You can also make your own by mixing olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and spices. This homemade dressing adds a fresh touch to your pasta salad. To make this pasta salad gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer gluten-free rotini or other shapes. Check the label to ensure it fits your needs. You can also use fresh veggies and meats to keep it gluten-free. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Italian Sub Pasta Salad. You learned the key ingredients, how to prepare them, and the steps to combine everything for great flavor. Remember to cook your pasta just right and chill it for the best taste. You can customize this salad in many ways to fit your likes and needs. Enjoy this dish fresh, but also know how to store leftovers. Making this salad can be fun and rewarding, and you can impress others with your skills!](https://flavorsprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/29e6d139-acfa-41a8-8515-6ca1e9c3c7c3-250x250.webp)
Italian Sub Pasta Salad
Get ready to dig into a delicious Italian Sub Pasta Salad that's perfect for any occasion! This vibrant dish combines tri-color rotini pasta with fresh veggies, savory salami, and zesty dressing to create a flavor explosion. It’s easy to whip up and ideal for picnics or barbecues. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family with this tasty, crowd-pleasing salad!