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Colorful pasta salad with rotini, salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, and onions in a black bowl—perfect as a Summer BBQ salad tossed in zesty Pepperoncini Dressing.
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5 from 7 votes

Smoked Italian Pasta Salad

This pasta salad brings together bold smoky flavor, tender pasta and a zesty vinaigrette in one satisfying dish. With plenty of texture and flavor, it’s perfect for cookouts, lunches or parties. Whether served as a main or a side, it’s guaranteed to impress.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Meals, Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: smoker
Servings: 9

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the smoker lid closed for 15 minutes at 180 degrees F.

Smoke the Veggies and Meats

  • Add tomatoes, sweet peppers, pepperoncini, mozzarella, salami, and pepperoni to a wire rack lined baking tray.
  • Place onto the smoker and smoke for 1 hour.

Cook the Pasta

  • Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook per box instructions.
  • Drain then rinse with cold water. Place into the fridge to cool.

Make the Vinaigrette

  • Combine olive oil, juice from canned pepperoncini, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a mason jar and shake well. Alternatively, whisk in a bowl.

Assemble the Salad

  • Remove the baking tray from the smoker. Slice the peppers and pepperoncini. Cut the mozzarella into quarters.
  • Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss. Top with shaved parmesan.
  • Refrigerate for an hour before serving.

Notes

Smoke in batches if needed: Don’t overcrowd your tray in the smoker.
Don’t overcook pasta: Slightly underdone pasta holds up better once dressed.
Let it chill: An hour in the fridge allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Slice uniformly: Even cuts help distribute flavors evenly.

Nutrition

Calories: 572kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 23g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 101mg | Sodium: 1742mg | Potassium: 824mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 4570IU | Vitamin C: 173mg | Calcium: 201mg | Iron: 2mg

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