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noodles and vegetables for a pasta salad.
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5 from 4 votes

Shell Pasta Salad (Antipasto)

This cold pasta salad recipe with shells, mini pepperonis, freshly shaved Italian cheese, and a delicious homemade Balsamic and Italian dressing, is a fantastic quick and flavorful Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad.
Prep Time15 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Salad Recipes
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: pasta, pasta salad
Servings: 6 cups
Calories: 262kcal
Author: Trisha Haas - Salty Side Dish

Ingredients

PASTA SALAD

  • 8 ounces shell pasta cooked, drained and cooled
  • 2/3 cup mini pepperoni
  • 1/2 cup shaved asiago cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1 bell pepper chopped
  • 1 large tomato or 2 small, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

DRESSING

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 package dry Italian dressing
  • 1 teaspoon dry oregano
  • 1 Tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  • To begin, boil, drain, and cool your pasta shells prior to salad assembly.
  • Add pasta, pepperoni, olives, pepper, tomato, parsley and cheese in a large mixing bowl and mix well.
  • In a separate, smaller bowl, combine oil, balsamic, dressing, oregano and cheese.
  • Mix dressing ingredients well and pour onto pasta bowl mixture.
  • Mix all ingredients evenly coat and season pasta with salt and pepper.
  • Let salad set for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so flavors can mingle.
  • Or you can refrigerate, covered, until ready to use.
  • Stir before serving and if necessary or dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of oil and mix well to revitalize the pasta.

Video

Notes

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this antipasto salad is super easy to double.
Other ingredient ideas:
Try adding other cured meats like prosciutto or summer sausage, green olives, chunks of cheese
Substituting Dry Seasoning
Last time I went to the store to make this salad, I had a hard time finding dry Italian dressing and grabbed some Garlic and Herb Dry seasoning (by brand Good Seasons). Its in a little envelope.
Its a salad dressing and recipe mix and is DELICIOUS. If you have that, its great to substitute or change up the salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 2oz. | Calories: 262kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 147mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 839IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg