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Easy Budget Pasta Salad Recipe with Rotini and Salami for Quick Meals

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A quick, budget-friendly pasta salad featuring rotini, salami, and fresh veggies tossed in a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for busy days, potlucks, or a satisfying cold meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) rotini pasta
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) salami, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup (40 grams) red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup (50 grams) black olives, sliced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of rotini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste a piece 1-2 minutes before the timer ends to avoid overcooking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
  3. While the pasta cooks, halve 1 cup (150 grams) of cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium cucumber and 1 medium red bell pepper, finely chop 1/4 cup (40 grams) of red onion, and slice 1/3 cup (50 grams) of black olives if using. Cut 6 ounces (170 grams) of salami into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste until smooth and slightly thickened.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped veggies, salami, and olives. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
  6. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for a fresh, bright finish.
  7. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together. If pressed for time, it can be served immediately.
  8. Before serving, if the salad seems dry, add a little extra olive oil or a splash of vinegar and stir to refresh the flavors.

Notes

Rinsing pasta with cold water stops cooking and prevents mushiness. Adjust salt and pepper after tossing as salami and olives add saltiness. For best flavor, chill salad at least 30 minutes before serving. Add extra olive oil or vinegar if salad seems dry after chilling. Can substitute salami with turkey pepperoni or diced ham. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free version. Avoid freezing to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, rotini pasta, salami salad, budget-friendly recipe, quick meals, easy pasta salad, potluck recipe, cold salad

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/easy-budget-pasta-salad-recipe-with-rotini-and-salami-for-quick-meals/