Creamy Italian Pasta Salad

This is my favorite pasta salad recipe based on years of making it for BBQs and family get-togethers. A little bit of everything in this Italian dish.

• Preparation Time: 35 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 470 Calories

Ingredients

• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pinch dried oregano, or to taste
• 1 pinch paprika, or to taste
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 (16 ounce) package bow-tie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
• 5 ounces Muenster cheese
• 5 ounces Colby-Jack cheese
• 5 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 (6 ounce) can black olives, sliced
• ½ cup pepperoni, cut into quarters
• 1 (8 ounce) bottle creamy Italian salad dressing (such as Wish-Bone®)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook bow-tie pasta at a boil, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain and let cool.

Step 2

Meanwhile, place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add broccoli, cover, and steam until tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Drain and let cool.

Step 3

Cut cheeses into small cubes and combine in a large bowl with pasta, broccoli, ham, cherry tomatoes, olives, and pepperoni. Mix in the dressing. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. Refrigerate until ready to serve.