Description
A hearty Italian-inspired pasta salad with tender rotini, halal-approved deli meats, fresh mozzarella, briny olives, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual family meals.
Ingredients
1 pound (16 ounces) rotini or farfalle pasta
1 1/2 cups zesty Italian dressing (oil-free option available)
6–8 ounces halal salami or beef pepperoni, diced
8 ounces bocconcini mozzarella, halved
1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup pitted green olives or sliced pimentos
1 jalapeño (optional), seeded and minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cucumber, diced (optional)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Rinse with cold water to cool.
In large bowl, combine cooled pasta, diced halal salami/pepperoni, mozzarella, olives, cherry tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and parsley.
Whisk Italian dressing with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning until smooth. Pour over salad mixture, reserving some dressing for drizzling.
Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Chill for 15-30 minutes before serving. Drizzle with reserved dressing if desired.
Notes
For halal certification, use USDA-certified halal meats.
Swap oil-based dressing for vinaigrette to reduce richness.
Add grilled zucchini or sweet corn for extra texture.
Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 24 hours (best served within 4 hours for optimal texture).
Freeze unused dressing separately for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Salads
- Method: Cold/Tossed
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx) with 1/4 cup dressing
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg