🥗 The Pasta Salad That Disappears First Every Time
I needed something quick, filling, and actually good — not the dry bland kind nobody touches 👀
This one? Gone by the end of the night.
It’s cheesy, tangy, a little spicy, and gets even better the next day.
🛒 What I Used:
• 1 box Garden Rotini (16 oz)
• Ken’s Simply Vinaigrette Italian Dressing
• 6 oz cubed Gouda
• 6 oz cubed Pepper Jack
• Genoa salami (Amount to your liking)
• pepperoncini (sliced) (Amount to your liking)
• 1 small can sliced black olives
• Cherry tomatoes (halved) (Amount to your liking)
• Salt & pepper
• A sprinkle of Italian seasoning
👩🍳 How I Made It:
1. Cook pasta until al dente, drain & rinse cold.
2. Slice salami + pepperoncini.
3. Toss pasta with cheese, salami, olives, tomatoes.
4. Pour as much of the dressing you want over it.
5. Salt, pepper, & Italian seasoning mix well.
6. Chill at least 1–2 hours (overnight is elite).
✨ Pro tip: Save a little dressing to freshen it up before serving.
It’s giving cookout. It’s giving “who made this?” It’s giving seconds.
If you make it, tell me what you added because I’m thinking red onion next time 👀
If you're looking for a pasta salad that consistently wins at any gathering, this recipe is a real crowd-pleaser. One of the keys to its success is the combination of creamy cheeses like gouda and pepper jack, which add a rich texture and flavor that stands out from the typical bland pasta salads people often avoid. Including Genoa salami brings a nice savory depth, and pepperoncini slices offer a subtle spicy kick that livens up each bite. I personally recommend preparing this salad at least a few hours ahead or even the night before serving. This resting time in the fridge allows the dressing to seep into the pasta and ingredients, intensifying the tangy and spicy notes. Using Ken’s Simply Vinaigrette Italian Dressing provides a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness that complements the cheeses and meats impeccably. For extra freshness and crunch, I love experimenting with adding diced red onions or even a few cucumbers, which add a pleasant contrast to the creaminess and meatiness of the dish. Cherry tomatoes also bring juiciness and brightness, but you could swap them for sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor. Remember to save a bit of dressing to toss on just before serving—this refreshes the salad and makes it taste freshly made each time. This salad is versatile enough as a side dish for barbecues or a filling, quick lunch by itself. From my experience, the simplicity of preparation coupled with its delicious, bold flavors make this pasta salad a recipe you’ll want to keep in your recipe box. Plus, it's easy to customize depending on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences, making it a truly flexible and reliable dish for any occasion.
I bet it tastes delicious 👌🏻