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Mom’s Traditional Pasta Salad Recipe

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If you need a delicious pasta salad, I have the recipe for you! It only takes a few minutes to throw together and EVERYONE will love it!
Mom’s Traditional Pasta Salad Recipe

 This is by far my favorite summer side dish! Growing up my Dad didn’t like it very much so my Mom would usually only make it when he went out of town. Now being married… my husband loves it so we have it a lot! It really is so easy and goes with almost anything! I also love that it makes A LOT so I usually bring this side dish to pot lucks!

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Mom's Traditional Pasta Salad Recipe

If you need a delicious pasta salad, I have the recipe for you! It only takes a few minutes to throw together and EVERYONE will love it!
Serving8
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 12 ounces rotini tri-colored pasta
  • 1 red pepper, chopped
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 can sliced black olives
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 can mushrooms, small
  • 1 package pepperoni, small, (cut into quarters, or you can use the new mini pepperoni)
  • 8 ounces marbled cheddar, 1 block, , cut into cubes (any cheese will work)
  • 1 red onion, diced
  • 16 ounces italian salad dressing, (any brand works great)

Equipment

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta as it directs on the package. Pour cooked pasta into a large bowl. Then add red and green peppers, cucumber, sliced olives, tomatoes, mushrooms, pepperoni, cheese cubes, and onion.
  2. Pour Italian dressing on salad (you can use fat-free or low-fat if you want). Mix well. Put salad in fridge for a couple of hours before serving. Stir again before serving. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Nutrition

Calories: 589 kcal · Carbohydrates: 46 g · Protein: 18 g · Fat: 37 g · Saturated Fat: 11 g · Trans Fat: 1 g · Cholesterol: 48 mg · Sodium: 1814 mg · Potassium: 442 mg · Fiber: 4 g · Sugar: 11 g · Vitamin A: 1300 IU · Vitamin C: 38 mg · Calcium: 264 mg · Iron: 2 mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Side Dish
Did You Make This Recipe?We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review or a question in the comment section below the post.

Related Recipe: Our Spaghetti Salad is the most popular pasta salad recipe and is always a crowd pleaser!  Get the recipe HERE.

Published: June 25, 2012Updated: May 8, 2024

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Questions & Reviews

  1. Kaity says:
    This is one of my favorite salads to make. I usually make it sans mushrooms and onions and with fresh mozzarella! Kraft makes a Red Pepper Italian dressing that's soo good with it!
  2. Lezzetli Sanatlar says:
    I love that salad especially with parmesan cheese.
    I love so much your blog and recipes and I joined your site.
    I am from Turkey.
    With all my best wishes, P?r?l.
  3. Ramen Couture says:
    This is one of my favorite pasta salads to eat growing up too! My all time summer favorite.

    http://ramencouture.blogspot.com/

    xox
    Sabrina
  4. Orris Family says:
    This is one of my summer favorites! I recommend wishbone robusto Italian dressing! Or if you like a creamy pasta salad use 8oz of the Italian dressing and 8 oz of Ken's Steak House Creamy Caesar.
  5. Christine @ First Home...Love Life says:
    Nothing screams summer like a good ol' fashioned pasta salad! Great recipe! Come link this up too!! http://www.firsthomelovelife.com/2012/06/features-and-whats-cooking-wednesday-6.html
  6. Debra Kapellakis says:
    Looks great!
  7. Breanna says:
    I got TONS of compliments on this simple recipe!! Almost nothing to mess up ( which I almost always seem to do )-
  8. Mickel says:
    I love pasta salad. I am always asked to bring mine to all get togethers. I use Wish Bone Robusto and a package (or two) of dry italian dressing mix.
  9. Marilyn S. Billib says:
    It looks it looks delicious. My one concern is that your nutrition breakdown shows that one serving is 3288 calories. The other breakdowns are huge as well. I'm sure it's a misprint. Is that right?
  10. Yolanda says:
    This. Recipe is great, sometime when is so hot (I live in Florida) I add more salami and we have it for dinner whit fruit salad for dessert. Love your site
  11. Momma Cyd says:
    Hi Yolanda. Thanks for sharing, that sounds amazing!! Have a great Memorial day weekend.
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