Cavatappi Italiano Salad – Quick & Flavorful Pasta Dish!
The vibrant flavors of Italy with this Cavatappi Italiano Salad! Perfect for any occasion, this dish combines succulent diced turkey, crisp bell peppers, and creamy mozzarella with a zesty dressing. It’s a quick, easy-to-make salad that promises to be a hit at your next gathering or a delightful weeknight dinner.
Cavatappi Italiano Salad
4
servings15
minutes10
minutes200
kcal5
minutes30
minutesDive into the vibrant flavors of Italy with this Cavatappi Italiano Salad! Perfect for any occasion, this dish combines succulent diced turkey, crisp bell peppers, and creamy mozzarella with a zesty dressing. It’s a quick, easy-to-make salad that promises to be a hit at your next gathering or a delightful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- Pasta Base
12 ounces cavatappi pasta
- Protein and Cheese
3/4 pound turkey salami finely diced
8 ounces small fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Vegetables
1/2 green bell pepper thinly sliced
1/2 red bell pepper thinly sliced
1/2 red onion finely chopped
- Dressing and Extras
1 cup zesty Italian dressing
1 can sliced black olives drained
3 packets dry Italian-style salad dressing mix (0.7 ounces each)
- Alternative Ingredients
Replace turkey salami with chicken salami for a lighter option.
Use vegan mozzarella and omit Parmesan for a vegan version.
Substitute red wine vinaigrette for Italian dressing for a different flavor profile.
Directions
- Begin by cooking the cavatappi pasta in boiling water until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with diced turkey salami, sliced bell peppers, chopped onion, mozzarella balls, and black olives.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the salad mixture and sprinkle with the dry Italian dressing mix; toss everything together until well coated.
- Just before serving, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra layer of flavor.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- colander
- Mixing bowls
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 200kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Potassium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Vitamin A: 10IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 15mg
- Iron: 10mg
