Creamy Italian Fusion Pasta Salad
Dive into a delightful bowl of Creamy Italian Fusion Pasta Salad that beautifully blends the essence of American and Italian cuisines. This vibrant salad features al dente fusilli pasta tossed with colorful vegetables, savory salami, and a creamy dressing, creating a refreshing dish perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a hearty side dish at any gathering. Bursting with flavor and textures, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrition, making it an enjoyable choice for family meals and gatherings alike. Prepare a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld for an even more delicious experience.
8
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fusilli pasta
1 (16-ounce package)
Frozen baby peas
1 cup (thawed)
Sliced black olives
2 (2-ounce cans)
Genoa salami
1 cup (cubed)
Green onion
3/4 cup (chopped)
Celery
3/4 cup (chopped)
Fresh parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
Italian salad dressing mix
1 (2/3-ounce package)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
Sour cream
1 cup (none)
Milk
2 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the fusilli pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
2
While the pasta is cooling, prepare the creamy dressing. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, and Italian salad dressing mix. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Set this dressing aside.
3
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, thawed peas, sliced black olives, cubed salami, chopped green onions, chopped celery, and fresh parsley. Toss the ingredients gently to ensure even distribution.
4
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together until well-coated. Reserve 1/2 cup of dressing to add before serving, if desired.
5
Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
6
Before serving, give the salad a good stir and check the consistency. If the pasta appears dry, drizzle in the reserved dressing and mix until it reaches your desired creaminess. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
27.5g
Fat
35g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Italian Fusion Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant salad that blends American and Italian cuisines, featuring fusilli pasta, colorful vegetables, savory salami, and a creamy dressing.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce package of fusilli pasta cooked until al dente.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the main ingredients in the creamy dressing?
The dressing consists of mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, and a package of Italian salad dressing mix.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, you can substitute fusilli with other shapes like rotini or penne if desired.
How should I cook the pasta?
Cook the fusilli in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions for al dente texture.
Should the pasta be rinsed after cooking?
Yes, rinse the pasta under cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and help it cool.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes thawed baby peas, sliced black olives, green onions, and celery.
Is there meat in this pasta salad?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 cup of cubed Genoa salami.
What kind of salami is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for cubed Genoa salami for an authentic fusion flavor.
How long should the salad refrigerate before serving?
It is recommended to cover and refrigerate the salad overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I make this salad the same day I serve it?
While you can serve it sooner, letting it sit overnight provides the best flavor experience.
Why should I reserve some of the dressing?
Reserving about 1/2 cup of dressing allows you to add extra moisture before serving if the pasta has absorbed the initial coating.
What should I do if the salad appears dry before serving?
Drizzle in the reserved dressing and stir until the salad reaches your desired creaminess.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is a perfect hearty side dish for summer picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Can I make this pasta salad vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by omitting the Genoa salami.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The total fat content per serving is 27.5g.
How much protein is in this salad?
Each serving provides about 10g of protein.
Does this recipe contain dairy?
Yes, the recipe uses sour cream and milk in the dressing.
What fresh herbs are used for flavoring?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of fresh chopped parsley.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, though the recipe suggests thawed frozen baby peas for convenience.
What size package of fusilli is needed?
You will need one 16-ounce package of fusilli pasta.
How many olives are required?
The recipe uses two 2-ounce cans of sliced black olives.
How should the green onions be prepared?
The green onions should be chopped, totaling about 3/4 cup.
What type of salad dressing mix is used?
Use one 2/3-ounce package of Italian salad dressing mix.
Is this recipe considered a fusion dish?
Yes, it blends Italian ingredients like salami and olives with American-style creamy pasta salad elements.
Can I add extra vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely, you can add diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes to enhance the texture and nutrition.
How should the celery be prepared?
The celery should be chopped into small pieces, using about 3/4 cup.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This is a cold pasta salad and should be served chilled.