American-Italian Pasta Salad

American-Italian Pasta Salad

Are you looking for a flavorful pasta salad that will impress at your next gathering? This American-Italian Pasta Salad combines the richness of Genoa salami with fresh veggies, all coated in a creamy Italian-style dressing. It’s the ideal dish for lunch or dinner—perfect for potlucks, family meals, or meal prep. This versatile recipe is a crowd-pleaser, easy to make, and can be prepared ahead for convenience.


Ingredients for American-italian Pasta Salad

  • 16 oz package fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 0.7 oz package dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
  • 1 cup frozen petite peas, thawed
  • 1 cup cubed Genoa salami
  • ¾ cup chopped green onions
  • ¾ cup chopped celery
  • 2 cans (2 oz each) sliced black olives, well-drained
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

  1. Cook the Pasta
    • Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil.
    • Add fusilli pasta and cook for 10-13 minutes, or until it reaches a firm yet tender texture.
    • Once cooked, drain the pasta and run it under cold water to cool it quickly.
  2. Prepare the Dressing
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, and the Italian salad dressing mix until smooth.
  3. Mix the Salad
    • In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, peas, salami, green onions, celery, black olives, and parsley.
    • Pour most of the prepared dressing over the salad, saving ½ cup. Toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
  4. Refrigerate
    • Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Serve and Enjoy
    • Before serving, stir the salad and add the reserved dressing if the mixture seems dry.

When to Serve American-Italian Pasta Salad

This delicious pasta salad works well for lunch gatherings or can be served as a side dish for dinner. You can also explore our other lunch recipes to find more meal ideas perfect for your family table. Planning for a weekend feast? Pair this dish with one of our dinner inspirations for a complete, hearty meal.


Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad

  • Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors get better overnight, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping.
  • Customizable: Feel free to swap out Genoa salami with another deli meat or add more veggies.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit at picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 236 kcal per serving
  • Servings: 20

For more meal inspiration, check out our lunch recipes and dinner options to complement your table.

Don’t forget to explore our tips on meal prep to make your cooking experience even easier and more enjoyable!

Enjoy your meal!