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A colorful bowl of Italian pasta salad with rotini, mozzarella pearls, and pepperoni.

Quick Italian Pasta Salad with Secret Ingredient

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 340 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 cup bottled Italian dressing
  • 1/4 cup dill pickle juice
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
  • 4 oz pepperoni , quartered
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions
 

  • Boil rotini pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente.
  • Drain pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing and the dill pickle juice until emulsified.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, olives, bell pepper, pepperoni, mozzarella, and red onion.
  • Pour the dressing mixture over the salad components and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.
  • Sprinkle with dried oregano and fresh parsley, then toss once more.
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.