Name: Italian Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487081H49M45S
Total time: PT-487081H49M45S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta shape); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; ¾ cup red bell pepper, diced; ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup black olives, sliced; ¾ cup mozzarella pearls or cubed cheese; ½ cup salami or pepperoni, chopped (optional); ⅓ cup pepperoncini, sliced (optional); ½ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade); 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Italian Pasta Salad is a colorful and flavorful dish packed with fresh vegetables, cheese, and optional meats, all tossed together in a tangy Italian dressing. The combination of rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, olives, and salami or pepperoni (optional) makes it a delicious and satisfying dish. It’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or as a side dish for any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. The rotini pasta holds the dressing and flavors beautifully, while the fresh veggies add crunch and color. The mozzarella pearls or cubed cheese add a creamy texture, and the optional salami or pepperoni brings a savory touch. It’s customizable to your liking, and it can be made ahead for an even more flavorful result!

Italian Pasta Salad

Ingredients

12 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
¾ cup red bell pepper, diced
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup black olives, sliced
¾ cup mozzarella pearls or cubed cheese
½ cup salami or pepperoni, chopped (optional)
⅓ cup pepperoncini, sliced (optional)
½ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:

Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions, making sure to salt the water. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

While the pasta is cooking, slice the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, and red bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion and olives. If you’re using salami or pepperoni, chop it into bite-sized pieces. If you like a bit of tang, slice the pepperoncini.

3. Assemble the Salad:

In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the prepared vegetables, mozzarella pearls (or cubed cheese), and salami or pepperoni (if using).

4. Add the Dressing:

Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Add salt and pepper to taste.

5. Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle the salad with grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 6-8 people.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes (for the pasta)
Total time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

Vegan Version: Omit the cheese and salami or pepperoni, and use a plant-based dressing for a vegan version of this salad.
Add More Veggies: You can add more veggies like bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or spinach to increase the freshness and texture.
Spicy Version: Add a little red pepper flakes or extra pepperoncini for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld over time, making it even tastier!
Reheating: Pasta salad is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. If it thickens in the fridge, add a little more dressing to loosen it up before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Fusilli, rotini, penne, or farfalle are all great choices for pasta salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad is even better when made ahead. Prepare it a few hours in advance and refrigerate. It gives the pasta time to absorb all the flavors from the dressing.

Can I use store-bought Italian dressing?

Yes, store-bought Italian dressing works perfectly, but for an even more flavorful option, you can make your own homemade Italian dressing.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even beans like chickpeas or white beans are great options to turn this salad into a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Italian Pasta Salad is a colorful, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, savory meats, and tangy dressing makes it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re bringing it to a BBQ or enjoying it as a side dish at dinner, it’s sure to be a hit. It’s easy to make, customizable, and can be served cold, making it a perfect dish for warm-weather gatherings!

Chef MARTHA

Italian Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients