Italian pasta salad is a versatile, vibrant dish that’s perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a light family dinner. Packed with fresh vegetables, savory meats, tangy cheese, and a zesty Italian dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Here’s everything you need to make the perfect Italian pasta salad at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Italian pasta salad is:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, meats, or cheeses.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after marinating.
- Balanced and Nutritious: A mix of carbs, protein, and veggies.
Ingredients for Italian Pasta Salad
For the Salad:
- 12 oz (340g) rotini or your favorite pasta shape
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), diced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup salami or pepperoni, diced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed (or fresh mozzarella balls)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
For the Italian Dressing:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp sugar (optional, to balance the acidity)
How to Make Italian Pasta Salad
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
2️⃣ Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
3️⃣ Chop and Combine
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, bell peppers, red onion, salami, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
4️⃣ Chill and Serve
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Italian Pasta Salad
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher the vegetables and herbs, the better the salad will taste.
- Marinate for Flavor: Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to absorb the dressing.
- Customize: Add artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or a handful of arugula for extra flavor.
- Make it Vegan: Skip the meats and cheese, and add chickpeas or kidney beans for protein.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
Why Italian Pasta Salad is a Crowd Favorite
Italian pasta salad is the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors. It’s easy to prepare, visually appealing, and customizable for any dietary preference. Whether you’re hosting a party or meal-prepping for the week, this dish will never disappoint.
Ready to make this classic Italian pasta salad? Let us know how it turns out in the comments! ????????????
